In Loving Memory: Kenneth Nicholas Thomas of Springfield Killed in Tragic I-5 Crash Near Goshen
GOSHEN, OREGON — A devastating crash on Interstate 5 has taken the life of 61-year-old Kenneth Nicholas Thomas, a beloved resident of Springfield, Oregon. The fatal collision occurred on the morning of Tuesday, July 29, 2025, near milepost 186, and has left a community grieving the sudden and heartbreaking loss of a man described by friends as dependable, humble, and full of quiet strength.
The Incident
At approximately 8:00 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash involving a white Dodge Caravan, a gray Dodge Charger, and a white Kenworth dump truck towing a loaded trailer. Authorities say the driver of the Dodge Caravan, Kennith James Nelsen, 56, of Coos Bay, attempted to make an illegal turn into an emergency vehicle-only turnaround from the southbound slow lane.
That decision set off a catastrophic chain of events.
The Caravan collided with a Dodge Charger driven by 59-year-old Timothy Brian Smith, also of Springfield, who attempted to swerve into the median to avoid the crash. However, the Caravan struck the Charger mid-turn, forcing it into the northbound lanes, directly into the path of an oncoming dump truck driven by Jaison William Karow, 44.
Kenneth Thomas, a passenger in the Charger, was killed instantly in the impact.
Smith was critically injured and transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Nelsen and Karow were not hurt.
A Beloved Friend, Brother, and Community Member
While the crash is under investigation, one thing is painfully clear: Kenneth Thomas’s absence leaves an irreplaceable void.
Family members describe Kenneth as a devoted brother and friend who always offered a helping hand without asking for anything in return. Known for his love of classic cars, local volunteer work, and Saturday morning coffee runs, Kenneth was deeply rooted in his Springfield neighborhood.
“He was the kind of person you could call at 2 a.m. if your car broke down,” one longtime friend shared. “A quiet guy, but always showing up for people. Always.”
A Vietnam-era military enthusiast and proud Oregon native, Kenneth was a fixture in the local community — often attending Springfield’s small-town events, supporting local sports, and checking in on elderly neighbors.
He is survived by siblings, several nieces and nephews, and a tight-knit circle of friends who describe his passing as “absolutely devastating.”
Grief in the Aftermath
The crash shook the region, not only because of its severity but because it claimed the life of a man so many quietly depended on.
“This wasn’t just a traffic accident,” said one Springfield neighbor. “This was a family losing their rock. This was a friend group losing their most loyal member.”
The sudden loss has prompted outpourings of grief on social media, where condolences continue to flood in. Some have started organizing a memorial drive along I-5 in Kenneth’s honor, while others are discussing a candlelight vigil to take place in the coming days.
Crash Under Investigation
The crash caused traffic delays for more than four hours while Oregon State Police, assisted by multiple local agencies, conducted their on-site investigation. Officials are reviewing the events leading up to the crash and have not ruled out future legal action. As of now, no criminal charges have been filed, but investigators stress the improper use of emergency vehicle turnarounds remains a serious safety hazard.
A secondary crash occurred shortly after the initial wreck, involving three additional vehicles on the southbound side of I-5. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in that incident.
A Call for Reflection and Reform
The tragic loss of Kenneth Nicholas Thomas has renewed discussions around highway safety, accountability, and driver awareness. His family and friends are urging the public to honor his memory by driving safely and respecting traffic laws that exist to prevent precisely this kind of tragedy.
“He didn’t deserve this,” one family member said tearfully. “No one does.”
Final Arrangements
Funeral and memorial service details for Kenneth Thomas have not yet been released. The family is asking for privacy as they grieve and encourages donations in Kenneth’s memory to local veteran support organizations or traffic safety initiatives.
Rest in peace, Kenneth Nicholas Thomas. You were loved more than you knew, and your quiet strength will live on in the lives you touched.