Trenton Conkling Dead, Jeremiah Smith Injured in Car Accident on 5 Freeway [Lakewood, WA]

Trenton Conkling Dead and Jeremiah Smith Hospitalized after Car Accident on the 5 Freeway near the Gravelly Lake

 
LAKEWOOD, WA (July 2, 2024) — A 22-year-old soldier identified as Pfc. Trenton J. Conkling died in a car crash on Saturday, June 15.
 
According to Army officials, the incident happened at about 2:52 a.m. on the portion of 5 Freeway that runs through Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma.
 
A Washington State Police report said Conkling drove a 2009 black Chevrolet Malibu southbound on 5 Freeway near the Gravelly Lake exit.
 
Then the vehicle left the pavement on the right side of the highway. After that, it hit a tree and overturned. It eventually came to a stop back in traffic lanes.
 
Conkling died in the crash. Meanwhile, medics brought 22-year-old Pfc. Jeremiah E. Taylor Smith to nearby Madigan Army Medical Center at the base.
 
Conkling did not wear a seat belt when the crash happened. Officials said impairment did not contribute to the incident.
 
Meanwhile, Smith wore a seat belt. On Monday, the Army reported that he was in stable condition. The Army did not describe the extent of Smith’s injuries.
 
WSP and the Army will not release the hometowns of Conkling and Smith or further information on their military service. The Army said they have notified the next of kin of both soldiers.

Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Trenton Conkling.

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