26-Year-Old Man Dies After Car Crashes Into Rogue River Near Gold Hill
Gold Hill, Oregon – A tragic accident claimed the life of a 26-year-old Gold Hill man on Monday afternoon after his vehicle plunged into the Rogue River in Jackson County.
According to the Oregon State Police (OSP), the crash occurred around 2:18 p.m. on Highway 99 near milepost 12. Investigators said a southbound Subaru Legacy, driven by Cody Austin Jenkins, suddenly veered across the northbound lanes, broke through a roadside fence, and went into the river.
Emergency responders quickly arrived on scene, including the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue teams, and the Rogue River Fire Department. Despite their efforts, no one was seen exiting the submerged vehicle. Jenkins was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed he was the sole occupant of the car.
Specialized teams, including the Jackson County Dive Team, worked to recover the vehicle from the water. Fortunately, highway traffic was not disrupted during the recovery and investigation efforts.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. OSP’s Collision Reconstruction Unit, which handles serious and fatal crashes, is leading the inquiry. At this time, officials have not released further details about what may have led to the vehicle leaving the roadway.
The sudden loss has left the Gold Hill community shaken, as friends and family mourn the death of Jenkins. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Oregon State Police as the investigation continues.