PORT ANGELES — The survivor of a single-vehicle crash that killed Andrew Hinrichs of Port Angeles was listed in satisfactory condition at Olympic Medical Center on Thursday, a hospital official said.
Richard Phelps, 18, of Port Angeles, was taken to OMC in Port Angeles after the truck he was riding in plunged about 50 feet into a ravine just southeast of the U.S. Highway 101-Pine Street intersection on Wednesday, Port Angeles police said.
Hinrichs, 41, of Port Angeles, was pronounced dead at the scene after the 5 p.m. wreck.
An autopsy is planned for Monday, police Sgt. Josh Powless said.
The results of the autopsy likely will be available the next week, Powless said.
Plunged into gully
Witnesses told police that Hinrichs was driving eastbound on the highway when the Chevrolet truck drifted to the south and plunged into the Valley Creek gully.
Interim police Chief Brian Smith said the truck was “beyond recognition” after the crash.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation. The State Patrol took measurements at the scene to help police determine a cause.
Phelps could not provide clues because he was sleeping at the time of the crash, Powless said.
The autopsy “might give us an idea if there were any sort of health issue or medical emergency” that contributed to the wreck, Powless said.
A toxicology report will determine whether drugs or alcohol were involved, he added.
Witnesses gave no indication that Hinrichs was speeding at the time of the crash, Powless said.
Dog in truck
A dog that was found inside the truck was taken to a local animal hospital. Powless said he did not know the dog’s condition or what hospital the animal was taken to.
Both lanes of U.S. Highway 101 were blocked to allow fire and medical crews to respond. Both lanes of the highway had reopened by 10:03 p.m., state Department of Transportation officials said.
The Port Angeles Fire Department, State Patrol, Lower Elwha Police Department, Clallam County Sheriff’s Office and state Transportation workers assisted at the scene.
The 1970s Chevrolet was pulled out the embankment by two tow trucks with multiple personnel, Powless said.
Transportation provided flaggers for alternating traffic and posted signs to help motorists to navigate through area, Powless said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
