Dennis Hickethier Killed in Truck Accident on Scappoose-Vernonia Highway in Columbia County, OR
Columbia County, OR — February 6, 2023, 69-year-old Dennis Hickethier died when a lumber truck overturned on Scappoose-Vernonia Highway in Columbia County.
Authorities say the incident happened around 1:15 p.m. on the highway near mile marker 1.5. Preliminary investigation suggests Hickethier was driving a big rig loaded with lumber on the highway when he may have lost control for unknown reasons. The truck left the highway and rolled down an embankment.
Hickethier was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
The investigation continues. No further information is currently available.
One thing I often try to stress after many single-vehicle accidents is how they could be more complex than a first glance might account for. No matter what kind of vehicle was involved, someone is quick to blame its operator. However, jumping straight to that means overlooking many other possible factors that would have been wholly out of his hands.
Could careful investigation reveal a simple explanation for what happened? Maybe. Could it also find unusual or subtle factors that might have slipped through the cracks during preliminary efforts? Quite possibly. Whatever is learned, it's important that the victim's loved ones get the facts they need and deserve. I hope that's exactly what authorities will find for them before all is said and done.
