Fatal Crash in Prospect Claims Lives of Two Men

Prospect, Oregon- Two men were killed late Wednesday night after their disabled pickup truck was struck on Mill Creek Road in Prospect, prompting an investigation by the Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the collision occurred at approximately 10:04 p.m. on July 31. The victims, identified as Arthur Rowden, 67, and Gary Tate, 51, both of Prospect, were standing outside their 1987 Toyota pickup, which was disabled with its lights off in the eastbound lane, when a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer struck the vehicle.

Both Rowden and Tate died at the scene, officials said. The driver of the Trailblazer, an 18-year-old Prospect resident, remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Authorities say there is no indication that speed or impairment played a role in the crash, and no charges have been filed at this time.

Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO 911) received the initial report and dispatched sheriff’s deputies to the scene. The Prospect Fire Department was first to arrive and confirmed the fatal two-vehicle crash.

The STAR Team—a multi-agency group including investigators from the sheriff’s office, Medford, Ashland, and Central Point police departments, as well as the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office—is leading the investigation.

Authorities said next of kin have been notified. “Our deepest condolences are with the families and friends of those impacted by this tragic event,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.