Oregon State Police (OSP) are continuing the investigation into Saturday afternoon’s fatal crash on Hwy 58 in Lane County. On December 30, 2017, at approximately 3:40 p.m., OSP Troopers from the Springfield Area Command responded to a two vehicle fatal crash on Hwy 58 near milepost 57. The preliminary investigation indicates a gray 2006 Dodge 1500 pickup being operated by Douglas NELSON, age 35, from Troutdale, was traveling eastbound when for an unknown reason lost control and crossed into the path of an oncoming westbound blue 2006 Honda CRV being operated by, Ashley RUSSELL, age 27, from Veneta. NELSON and his 30 year old passenger Erica Nelson, age 30, from St. Helens, were uninjured during the crash. RUSSELL was traveling with Zachary HEINEMAN, age 28, their seven (7) year old son and 15 month old daughter, all from Veneta. RUSSELL and HEINEMAN’S son suffered fatal injuries and was declared deceased at the scene. RUSSELL, HEINEMAN and their daughter were transported to Riverbend Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The names of the children are being withheld at this time. NELSON is cooperating with the investigation. Alcohol or other intoxicating impairment does not appear to be a factor in the crash. All occupants in both vehicles were properly restrained with safety belts and child safety/child booster seats. The investigation is being continued by OSP crash reconstruction personnel. Hwy 58 was closed completely for approximately two hours and open to one lane travel for approximately four additional hours while OSP Troopers conducted the investigation.
