Oregon State Police are continuing the investigation into Tuesday morning’s, May 19, fatal vehicle crash on Highway 126 near Green Hill Rd, just west of Eugene. According to OSP Lieutenant Lang Hinkle, at approximately 8:57 a.m., a 2000 Ford Focus operated by Brian ROONEY, age 54 of Veneta was traveling eastbound on HWY 126 when it struck a deer in the roadway. After impact the deer went airborne and into the path of a westbound 2000 Freightliner Truck operated by Jesse BASTIEN, age 37, of Eugene. The deer struck the windshield directly in front of BASTIEN and entered the passenger compartment, striking him. BASTIEN was able to drive the truck to the shoulder of the road. Passing motorists noted BASTIEN was not conscious or breathing and began CPR. He was transported to Sacred Heart River Bend Hospital for neck and head trauma. After arriving at the hospital, BASTIEN was declared deceased. Both lanes of HWY 126 were closed for some time. Westbound lanes will be closed until approximately 1PM until the on-scene investigation is completed.
