Leonard Loreen Death – On Wednesday, a tragic vehicle crash occurred on U.S. Highway 195, resulting in the death of a 72-year-old Spokane man. The incident took place between Colton and Uniontown when a dump truck traveling northbound collided with a utility van driving southbound. The van had drifted into the wrong lane, causing the collision, as reported by Washington State Patrol Sgt. Greg Riddell.
The driver of the van, Leonard Loreen, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other driver, 48-year-old Louis Brenner from Arlington, Washington, was transported to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
To conduct a thorough investigation and clear the debris, the roadway between Colton and Uniontown had to be closed. Traffic was redirected onto U.S. Highway 95 through Moscow until Highway 195 reopened at approximately 7 p.m., according to a statement from a Whitcom dispatcher. Whitman County Fire District 14 provided assistance to the Washington State Patrol during this unfortunate incident.
