Benjamin Andrew, 50, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene Friday

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit is investigating a two-car collision Friday that claimed the life of 50-year-old Benjamin Andrew, of Brush Prairie.

On Friday (June 24) at 9:52 a.m., the Clark County Sheriff’s Office responded with Clark County Fire District 3, Vancouver Fire Department and American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance to the two-vehicle collision on NE 212th Ave. at NE Powell Rd. in Brush Prairie.

Investigators determined a 2017 Chevrolet Corvette was being operated by a 16-year-old northbound on NE 212th Ave. with Andrew occupying the right front passenger seat.  A 2018 Jeep Cherokee was being operated by 39-year-old Roberta Russo, of Camas, and occupied by her 6- and 9-year-old children as she was turning south on NE 212th Ave. from NE Powell Rd.

As Russo’s Jeep entered NE 212th Ave., the right front of the Chevrolet impacted the left front of the Jeep.  The force of the impact caused the vehicles to rotate and exit the roadway.  The Chevrolet sheared a utility pole and then caught fire.  Bystanders used fire extinguishers to keep the fire at bay while others removed the occupants.  

Andrew sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. The 16-year-old sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.  Russo and her children suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Excessive speed was a factor in the collision.  

The investigation is being completed by the Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit.

Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.