GOSHEN, Ore. – A Coos Bay man accused of causing a three-vehicle wreck on interstate five near Goshen over the summer that took the life of a Springfield man, has been arrested on a manslaughter charge.
Kennith Nelsen, 56, was arrested and booked on charges of second-degree manslaughter, reckless endangering, and fourth-degree assault. Oregon State Police said Nelsen allegedly attempted to turn his white Dodge Caravan into an emergency vehicle turnaround in the southbound lanes. His van collided with a grey Dodge Charger driven by Timothy Brian Smith, 59. The impact pushed Smith’s Charger into the northbound lanes, where it was hit by a dump truck.
Kenneth Nicholas Thomas, a 61-year-old Springfield resident and passenger in Smith’s car, died at the scene. Smith sustained serious injuries and was transported to the hospital. The incident led to the closure of the interstate for several hours…