On January 1, 2023 at approximately 3:34 p.m. Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon received information regarding a reckless vehicle in the 4600 block of Highway 238. A Jacksonville Police Officer in the area located the involved vehicle and initiated a traffic stop.
The vehicle failed to yield and continued onto S. Stage Rd. towards Medford. As the vehicle eluded, it was reported to be driving all over the roadway with excessive speed. A short time later the driver failed to negotiate a turn on Sunset Dr. The vehicle left the roadway and struck multiple trees. The driver had to be extricated by emergency personnel and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team responded to the scene to assume the investigation. The Medford Police Department is now the lead investigating agency. It is possible alcohol was a contributing factor based on officers’ initial observations; however, the toxicology report is pending.
The driver was identified as 26-year-old Jared Nathanial Combs. Next of kin have been notified.
The investigation is ongoing and once complete, will be forwarded to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Source: MPD
