Photo credits: Patrick Schneider

September 24, 2026 10:50 a.m. 

An iconic Roseburg tree had to be removed after a vehicle crash Wednesday night.

A Roseburg Police Department report said at 11:10 p.m. officers were dispatched to a single-vehicle wreck after a vehicle left the roadway and struck the tree in front of Pete’s Drive In, in the 1200 block of West Harvard Avenue. Upon arrival officers located the vehicle and the driver, who had her four-month-old child with her.

Based on the scene and witness statements, it appeared the vehicle had crossed several lanes of travel and collided with the tree at a high rate of speed, while traveling eastbound on West Harvard. Medical responded and transported both occupants to CHI Mercy Medical Center. The driver, 23-year-old Alexus Rynearson, sustained non-life- threatening injuries and was listed in stable condition at last check, according to a hospital spokesperson. The child was not injured.

Mercy later reported that Rynearson’s blood alcohol level was over the legal limit. Officers authored a search warrant and obtained a blood draw. The driver was charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless endangering and reckless driving.

City of Roseburg Public Works crews responded to the scene early Thursday morning. Public Works Director Ryan Herinckx told News Radio 93-9 FM and 1240 KQEN that Cowboy Tree Service arrived prior to 8:00 a.m. to take down the tree. One lane of West Harvard Avenue and the sidewalk was blocked off while work was taking place. Herinckx estimated the tree to be nearly 60 years old as that section of West Harvard was widened in 1967 and the tree was likely planted as part of that project. For decades the tree provided shade to those placing their order at Pete’s Drive In.