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Car accident at Ridgefield wildlife refuge kills two

By Dave Kern
Published: April 12, 2010, 12:00am
2 Photos
Investigators from the Clark County Sheriff's Office and Ridgefield Police Department examine the scene of an car accident on Sunday at the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge.
Investigators from the Clark County Sheriff's Office and Ridgefield Police Department examine the scene of an car accident on Sunday at the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge. An elderly couple died. Photo Gallery

RIDGEFIELD — An elderly couple died Sunday afternoon when their car veered off a Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge road and overturned in a ditch.

Authorities on Monday identified the deceased as Chester B. Manning, 81, and Nancy E. Manning, 79, of La Center.

Officials said the car, a black Chevrolet Lumina, ended up in three feet of water, with the couple upside down and wearing their seat belts.

The accident was phoned in by a passerby in the refuge at 4:44 p.m.

Firefighters used a pry bar and a hydraulic tool to get both doors open and attempted CPR on the two, but efforts were unsuccessful, said Vancouver Fire Department Capt. Kevin Murray.

Clark County sheriff’s Sgt. Chad Rothenberger said traffic investigators late Sunday were trying to determine what happened. He said there was no sign of excessive speed and did not think alcohol was involved.

“It looks like they probably just drifted off the road,” he said. He said the bank is steep at that spot.

The bodies were taken to the Clark County Medical Examiner’s office.

Bob Flores, manager of the wildlife refuge, said the accident happened near Rest Lake in one of the most popular viewing spots on an auto tour route. The loop is in the River S unit, which is accessible off of Hillhurst Road, just south of downtown.

Flores has been manager of the refuge for three years and said he had never heard of a fatality at the natural area.

Flores said most people drive about 5 mph or slower as they take the loop to see birds and wildlife. “Traffic can be bumper to bumper,” he said.

Murray said three fire departments and American Medical Response responded. He said an early report indicated the car was in six feet of water, so the area dive team was called, but their services were not used. Life Flight helicopter also was alerted.

AMR reached the scene at 4:51 p.m. and Clark County Fire & Rescue arrived at 4:57, Murray said.

Vancouver brought its heavy rescue unit, which has special tools and water rescue equipment.

The wildlife refuge with 5,217 acres “contains a mosaic of riverine flood plain habitat, intensively managed seasonal and permanent wetlands, and agricultural lands,” according to its Web site.

It provides wintering habitat for many birds, particularly dusky Canada goose and sandhill cranes.

Flores said the four-unit refuge has about 200,000 visitors each year.

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