Jason Christopher Belisle Obituary, Death – On Thursday, September 5, 2024, shortly after 4:00 p.m., Clackamas County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a serious traffic accident on South Clackamas River Drive, located in the unincorporated part of Clackamas County near Oregon City. The crash occurred in the 16000 block of the road, leading to a major emergency response.
When the deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered that two vehicles had been involved in what appeared to be a head-on collision. The vehicles were identified as a 2016 Lexus IS and a 1991 Chevrolet pickup truck. The damage to both vehicles was extensive, and it was clear that the accident had severe consequences for those involved.
The driver of the Chevrolet pickup truck was identified as 39-year-old Jason Christopher Belisle from Vancouver, Washington. Unfortunately, Belisle died as a result of the crash. His death marked a tragic outcome of the accident, leaving authorities and investigators searching for answers as to how and why the collision occurred.
In contrast, the occupants of the Lexus—20-year-old Nathan Bejan from Happy Valley and a 17-year-old passenger—were more fortunate. Both Bejan and the passenger sustained only minor injuries in the crash. They were treated at the scene by emergency personnel and did not require hospitalization.
Following the initial response, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office brought in their inter-agency Criminal Reconstruction and Forensic Technicians (CRAFT) team to investigate the accident in more detail. The CRAFT team specializes in reconstructing accident scenes and analyzing evidence to determine the contributing factors in serious crashes. Their expertise is crucial in cases like this, where the cause of the accident may not be immediately clear.
One key area of the investigation is determining whether impairment played a role in the collision. Investigators are exploring whether drugs or alcohol were involved, or if other factors such as speed, distraction, or road conditions could have contributed to the crash. While no conclusions have been drawn at this stage, the investigation is ongoing as authorities work to gather more information.
As the investigation progresses, the local community is left to cope with the tragic death of Jason Belisle. Accidents like these often leave a profound impact on both the families involved and the broader community. The loss of a life in such sudden and violent circumstances is always a difficult event to process, and in this case, it has led to an outpouring of sympathy for Belisle’s family and friends.
At the same time, those who survived the crash—Bejan and his 17-year-old passenger—are likely dealing with their own emotional and physical aftermath. Surviving a serious accident can have lasting effects, both mentally and physically, even when injuries are minor. The trauma of such an event often stays with the individuals involved, and the process of healing and moving forward can take time.
Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s Office continues its work to ensure that all aspects of the crash are thoroughly examined. The investigation will aim to provide answers to important questions, including how the two vehicles came to be in a head-on collision, what the drivers were doing in the moments leading up to the crash, and whether any laws were broken.
The 16000 block of South Clackamas River Drive, where the accident took place, is in a rural part of the county, and accidents in this area are not uncommon due to winding roads and potentially hazardous driving conditions. This incident underscores the importance of road safety, particularly in areas where visibility may be limited, and drivers need to be cautious.
As the investigation continues, authorities will likely release additional information about the crash and any contributing factors they uncover. The community remains focused on supporting those affected, particularly the family of Jason Belisle, who are mourning the loss of a loved one.
The crash serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with driving and the potential for tragedy on the road. Whether caused by human error, mechanical failure, or external factors, accidents like these highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and care behind the wheel. For now, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and its CRAFT team will continue to work diligently to piece together the events that led to this devastating accident, hoping to bring some closure to those impacted by it.
As more information becomes available, the investigation will determine whether further actions, such as criminal charges or safety improvements on the road, will be necessary. Until then, the community reflects on the fragility of life and the importance of staying safe on the roads.
