Elderly driver reported dead after June crash in Ariel

An elderly driver who authorities say struck a teen in a Dodge truck near Ariel last month has died.

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John R. Jessup, 76, of La Center, hit the teen at about 6:36 p.m. on Lewis River Road, also known as state Route 503, on June 22, according to an updated Washington State Patrol press memo released Friday.

Jessup and the teen were flown to hospitals following a two-vehicle collision Monday evening in Ariel.

The crash occurred near milepost 33, near the Speelyai Hatchery.

Jessup, 76, of La Center, was driving a gray 2015 BMW XS north, while a 17-year-old girl from Ariel was heading the other way in a 2004 Dodge Dakota.

Jessup's BMW crossed the center line and struck the Dodge Dakota, causing both vehicles to stop and block the two-lane state highway.

Both drivers were lifeflighted to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, the memo states.

Authorities are not releasing the teen's name due to her age.

Officials previously stated they were pursuing a vehicular assault charge for Jessup.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and it is unclear if drugs or alcohol were involved, according to the memo.

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