1 dead in collision near Ritzville

RITZVILLE — An 18-year-old man died near Ritzville early Thursday morning after he was ejected out of his vehicle and struck by a semi-truck.

About 2:45 a.m. Loren McGhan, 18, of Benton City, was driving a 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier north on state Route 395, about a mile south of Ritzville, when he left the road to the left. McGhan veered to the right and the Cavalier rolled.

McGhan, who was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected out of the vehicle and came to a rest in the northbound SR-395 lane. The Washington State Patrol reports McGhan was then struck by a 2015 Volvo semi-truck driven by Joshua Noble, 41, of Vancouver, who was reportedly not able to avoid striking McGhan.

McGhan was pronounced dead at the scene. The patrol lists the cause of the collision as McGhan driving with his wheels off of the road. The road was closed until about 10 a.m. as troopers investigated. It is currently unknown if alcohol and/or drugs played a role in the collision.

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