Logging truck improperly passes vehicle causing crash near Waitsburg
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA COUNTY – The Washington State Patrol said Tuesday a logging truck accident about three miles west of Waitsburg was the result of that truck’s driver improperly passing a Washington State Department of Transportation water truck on eastbound U.S. 12.
Roy D. Way, 59, of Summerville, Oregon, was operating the logging truck when he attempted to pass the WSDOT water truck. As the water truck was turning left to exit the highway, Way’s logging truck struck the water truck.
WSP said Way was injured, but not transported. The logging truck he was driving was totalled.
The driver of the WSDOT water truck, Jeremiah B. Groat, 38, of Walla Walla was not injured and the water truck he was driving sustained reportable damage.
Neither drugs or alcohol were involved. Trooper Charles Cook said Way is negligent of improper passing. Way said he disagrees with WSP’s incident summary.
Photo via Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office
