On Tuesday, February 20th, at approximately 6:59pm, the Oregon State Police responded to a head on fatal motor vehicle collision on Highway 199 near milepost 24.5 in Selma, Josephine County. Preliminary investigation revealed that a white GMC Safari, operated by Robert A. JAKOVIC, age 20 of Ridgeville, Ohio was traveling northbound on Highway 199 and a red Toyota Prius, operated by Deborah J. NEWELL, age 69 of Cave Junction was traveling southbound on Highway 199 just north of the intersection of Reeves Creek Road. While negotiating a curve, the vehicles collided head on near the center line. NEWELL sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel. JAKOVIC was transported to a local hospital for serious injuries. JAKOVIC and NEWELL were wearing safety belts at the time of the collision and it is not believed that intoxicants are a contributing factor.
