Crash claims Hood River man

A celebration of his life is planned for 4 p.m. Saturday. (See page A6 for a full obituary.)

Washington State Patrol reported that Roberts was driving 9 miles north of White Salmon in a 1977 Ford flatbed pickup that apparently crossed the center line, drifted off the roadway and struck a tree on the west side of the highway. The accident occurred at about 1:30 p.m.

Shortly after the collision the vehicle ignited and continued to burn until Klickitat Fire was able to extinguish the flames, according to the WSP report. Roberts is believed to have died of his injuries prior to the fire, according to WSP. Roberts lived in Hood River and White Salmon for most of his life, and worked for Maher Roofing of Hood River. He was en route home when he died, according to his friend, Marie Parker.