A tragic crash on Interstate 5 in southern Oregon has left one teenager dead and a family devastated, while a truck driver now faces serious criminal charges.
According to Oregon State Police, the collision happened around 3 p.m. Monday near milepost 90, close to Canyonville in Douglas County. Authorities say a white Freightliner truck, driven by 61-year-old Brenden Larry Christensen of San Diego, had stalled multiple times while climbing a hill before coming to a stop in the outside lane.
Moments later, a maroon Honda CR-V driven by 18-year-old Davin Jack Smith of El Sobrante, California, crashed into the stalled truck. The impact was severe, causing both the SUV and cargo from the truck to catch fire.
Davin Smith was pronounced dead at the scene, cutting short a life just beginning adulthood. Inside the vehicle were his family members—his father, Lawrence Wayne Smith Jr., 60, and his twin sibling, Annika Jace Smith, both of whom suffered serious injuries and were airlifted to nearby hospitals. A family friend, 19-year-old Ivan Amadeo Gonzalez, was also injured but is expected to recover.
Investigators believe impairment played a role in the crash. Christensen was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants and manslaughter.
The interstate remained closed for about three hours as emergency crews responded and cleared the scene. The incident remains under active investigation.
