Man dies following state Route 503 collision in Cowlitz County

A La Center man has died following a two-vehicle collision on state Route 503 last week, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP).

John R. Jessup, 76, was pronounced dead in an updated WSP press memo Friday. PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center has notified next of kin.

According to WSP, Jessup was driving northbound on Route 503 at milepost 33 at about 6:30 p.m. June 22 when his 2015 BMW X5 SUV crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2004 Dodge Dakota pickup truck.

Both vehicles were totaled in the incident.

The driver of the Dakota, a 17-year-old male from Ariel, was airlifted to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center following the collision.

Troopers said the cause of the collision is under investigation, and indicated they did not know whether drugs or alcohol played a role.

Both Jessup and the juvenile were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision.

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This story was originally published July 4, 2026 at 11:19 AM.