Teen in critical condition after car crashes into irrigation canal

Breaking News

by Richard Byrd
| August 22, 2016 1:10 PM

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake teenager who was seriously injured over the weekend after his vehicle crashed into an irrigation canal was on a ventilator and listed in serious condition Monday afternoon.

About 2 a.m. Sunday morning Clayton Clark, 18, of Moses Lake, was driving a 1995 Honda Civic on Road 5 Northeast, near Road L Northeast, when he reportedly failed to make a turn. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office reports that the Civic left the road, struck a railing, rolled onto its roof and went into an irrigation canal.

Moses Lake Police Department officers Justin Materne, Kevin Hake, Jack Dodson and Nicholas Stewart reportedly jumped into the running water and rescued the passenger in the vehicle, Jesus Cornejo, 19, of Moses Lake. The officers were then able to rescue Clark, who was still trapped inside the vehicle.

Clark was initially transported to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake for treatment, but was later flown to Providence-Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. Moses Lake High School head wrestling coach Jaime Garza told the Columbia Basin Herald that as of 1 p.m. Monday Clark was on ventilator and his outlook for survival was not good. Garza coached Clark at MLHS and has known him since he was 9.

Garza said during Clark’s time on the wrestling squad he was well-liked amongst his teammates and he had a natural feel for wrestling unlike any other kid he had coached.

“He enjoyed being a freshman on the bus and hanging out with the juniors and seniors,” Garza stated. “He had a beautiful smile. It was subtle, but it was gorgeous. His laugh was unforgettable and I recall him in the back of the bus hanging out with those kids having a great time and just being a young freshman out there amongst some older kids, so that was always nice.”

Cornejo received minor injuries and was transported to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake. One MLPD officer received a minor hand injury during the rescue effort.

“While we are extremely proud of the selfless decision by the officers to put themselves in harm's way, we also recognize the pain and impact this crash has, and will continue to have, on the young men and their families. We ask that people join us in keeping the families in your thoughts and prayers,” MLPD Chief Kevin Fuhr said.

Alcohol was cited as a factor in the incident and deputies do not known if Clark or Cornejo were wearing seatbelts. The Grant County Sheriff’s Office Motor Traffic Unit is investigating the accident.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.