An Oregon jury has found Lincoln Smith, a semitruck driver from California, guilty of manslaughter in connection with a 2023 crash that killed seven farmworkers and injured several others. The accident, one of the deadliest in Oregon’s history, occurred when Smith’s truck veered off Interstate 5, causing a devastating collision.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The accident took place on May 18, 2023, near Albany, Oregon, a region known for its agricultural activities. Smith, 54, was driving a 53-foot, 55,000-pound semitruck when he veered off the highway and crashed into a passenger van, pushing it into another parked truck. The impact propelled the van 218 feet, leading to the deaths of six people at the scene, while a seventh victim died on the way to the hospital. Three other passengers sustained serious injuries and testified that they continue to suffer from constant pain.
Trial and Conviction
On February 7, 2025, a jury in Marion County found Smith guilty on multiple charges:
- Seven counts of second-degree manslaughter
- Three counts of third-degree assault
- Reckless driving
However, the jury acquitted him of driving under the influence after his defense attorneys argued that he was not impaired at the time of the crash.
Prosecution’s Argument: Reckless Driving and Drug Use
Prosecutors painted a picture of recklessness and negligence, arguing that Smith had a long history of criminal offenses and knowingly used drugs before getting behind the wheel.
- Toxicology reports showed methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl in his system.
- Witnesses saw Smith swerving on the road before the crash, with one person calling 911 after seeing another vehicle swerve to avoid him.
- Oregon State Police Officer Randall Walker testified that Smith displayed signs of intoxication, such as constricted pupils, slow responses, and confusion.
In body camera footage shown in court, Smith struggled to recall basic information and admitted to feeling dizzy and unable to focus. A vial containing methamphetamine was later found in his pocket at the hospital.
Defense’s Argument: Fatigue and Shock
Smith’s attorneys, however, claimed that he was not under the influence at the time of the crash but rather fell asleep at the wheel while trying to exit for a rest stop.
- They admitted that Smith had used drugs the night before, but argued that their effects should have worn off by the time of the crash.
- They suggested that his confusion and dizziness were due to shock rather than intoxication.
- A paramedic at the scene and a former police officer who reviewed the case testified that Smith did not show typical signs of drug impairment.
One of Oregon’s Deadliest Crashes
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, this accident ranks among the deadliest highway crashes in the state’s history. The tragic loss of seven lives has deeply impacted their families and the local community.
What Happens Next?
Smith now faces significant prison time, though his official sentencing will be determined in the coming weeks. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired or fatigued driving, particularly for commercial truck drivers operating heavy vehicles on busy highways.
This tragic crash has raised serious concerns about commercial trucking safety and the risks of impaired driving. While the defense argued that Smith was simply exhausted, prosecutors pointed to his drug use and reckless behavior as key factors in the fatal accident. Regardless of the legal arguments, seven lives were lost, and families continue to grieve. The case also highlights the need for stricter monitoring of truck drivers to ensure safety on the roads.
