Clark County sheriff deputy seriously injured in Skamania crash identified

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office identified Drew Kennison as the deputy critically injured Wednesday after part of a snow-heavy tree fell on his vehicle in Skamania County.

Kennison was in serious but stable condition Thursday, and he had support from his friends and family, according to an update from the sheriff’s office. He’s been with the agency for 14 years.

The single-vehicle crash was reported at 10:14 a.m. on Washougal River Road near Salmon Falls Road, just past the county line.

Investigators said they believe heavy snow broke off the upper portion of the large tree, which fell onto Kennison’s vehicle where the windshield meets the hood. The vehicle then came to a stop against another tree, according to a sheriff’s office news release.

Kennison was in Skamania County driving back from training, the sheriff’s office said. Several other officers traveling with him quickly provided first aid. A public works truck was in the area and removed the tree from across the vehicle before medics and fire personnel arrived.

Heavy rescue crews extricated Kennison from the vehicle, according to emergency radio traffic monitored by The Columbian.

He underwent surgery at an area hospital Wednesday afternoon, before he was taken to a hospital in Portland. He suffered significant injuries, especially to his lower body, the sheriff’s office said.