An Oregon jury reached a verdict on Wednesday, finding a truck driver guilty of manslaughter following a tragic collision on Interstate 5 that resulted in the deaths of seven farmworkers in 2023. This incident stands as one of the most catastrophic highway accidents in the state’s history.

Lincoln Smith was convicted on seven counts of second-degree manslaughter, along with reckless driving, according to reports from local media. However, the jury did acquit the 54-year-old Californian of charges related to driving under the influence of substances. Smith testified during the trial that the effects of drugs he had consumed the night prior had subsided by the time of the crash and mentioned that he had unintentionally dozed off while driving.

Following the incident, medical examinations revealed the presence of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and morphine in Smith’s bloodstream. Additionally, state law enforcement officials found a small amount of an illegal stimulant in the pocket of his trousers, further complicating the case against him.

As of now, there has been no response from the defense attorney registered in court records when efforts were made to reach out for comments regarding Smith’s situation.

The individuals who lost their lives in this unfortunate event have been named as Juan Carlos Leyva-Carrillo, 37; Gabriel Juarez-Tovilla, 58; Alejandra Espinoza-Carpio, 39; Eduardo Lopez-Lopez, 31; Luis Enrique Gomez-Reyes, 30; Alejandro Jimenez-Hernandez, 36; and Josue Garcia-Garcia, 30.

The fatal crash took place in May 2023 when Smith’s semitruck collided with a van that was pulled over on the side of Interstate 5, close to Albany, which is located in the agriculture-rich Willamette Valley. Albany is situated between Salem, the state capital, and Eugene, roughly 70 miles (113 kilometers) south of Portland.

Interstate 5 is recognized as the primary north-south arterial highway along the West Coast and connects various regions, making this accident particularly impactful for the community.