Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation following the discovery early Monday of a single vehicle fatal crash scene down a steep embankment off Old Stage Coach Road north of Highway 126W is Lane County. On September 15, 2014 at approximately 12:23 a.m., OSP was notified of a single vehicle fatal traffic crash off Old Stage Coach Road near milepost 5. A family member of HANNAH S. SMITH, age 18, from Eugene, who was previously reported missing to Lane County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), discovered the wreckage down a steep embankment on railroad tracks below after hearing her screams for help while passing through the area. SMITH was injured and an 18-year old male, identified as CANYON ARTHUR McCARDEL from Eugene, was deceased. LCSO and Lane Fire Authority responded to the scene and confirmed the report. OSP troopers from the Springfield Area Command office responded to investigate the crash. The railroad company was notified to prevent train traffic until the vehicle was removed and responders cleared the scene. Preliminary investigation indicates the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero sport utility vehicle containing the two occupants was traveling on Old Stage Coach Road when it went off the roadway and down a steep embankment. The vehicle came to rest on its side on railroad tracks approximately 40 feet below. Initial information indicates the crash may have happened late Saturday night, September 13. According to LCSO, SMITH was reported missing to their department Sunday, September 14 at 7:58 p.m., after family said she did not arrive at a friend’s house Saturday night. McCARDEL was not using safety restraints and was ejected from the vehicle. SMITH was trapped inside the vehicle and extricated. She was transported by Western Lane Ambulance District to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend with serious, non-life threatening injuries. Confirmation of who was driving the vehicle is pending further investigation.
