Two Ashland High Students Killed in Sunday Crash
Single-Vehicle Collision on East Nevada Street Leaves Two Dead, Three Hospitalized
ASHLAND, Ore. — Two teenagers were killed and three others were injured in a single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning, February 22, 2026, in rural Ashland, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO).
At approximately 12:44 a.m. Sunday, deputies responded to a crash in the 1350 block of East Nevada Street. Emergency personnel located an Audi A6 that had struck a tree.
The vehicle was occupied by five 17-year-old students from Ashland High School. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Jackson County Fire District 5 and Ashland Fire & Rescue conducted a complex extrication to remove the remaining occupants. Mercy Flights transported four critically injured passengers to a local hospital. Shortly after arrival, one passenger was pronounced deceased. The three remaining occupants continue to receive care and are reported to be in stable condition.
The families of those involved have been notified. Authorities are withholding the names of the juveniles out of respect for their privacy.
The Ashland School District has been notified, and grief counseling resources are being coordinated for students and staff.
Ashland School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Hattrick said:
“This is a devastating tragedy for our entire community. As a district, we are committed to surrounding our students, staff, and families with compassion, stability, and care in the days ahead. We will be providing counseling support through local and regional support teams for as long as necessary. We ask our community to hold these families close in your thoughts and to honor their privacy as they navigate this profound loss.”
Ashland High School Principal Francisco Atanes added:
“Our hearts are shattered by this unimaginable loss. These students were valued members of our school community, and their absence will be deeply felt in our classrooms, on our campus, and throughout our town. Right now, our focus is on caring for our students, staff, and families as we grieve together and support one another.”
Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling eastbound on East Nevada Street at a high rate of speed. Deputies say the driver lost control prior to a 90-degree curve, causing the car to leave the roadway and strike a tree. The impact caused catastrophic damage to the vehicle.
The crash is being investigated by the Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team, an interagency unit comprised of JCSO, Medford Police Department, Ashland Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Cover photo: WCN, Flickr.
