Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Sunday evening’s fatal motor vehicle crash on Interstate 5 north of Roseburg. On July 16, 2017 at about 5:00 PM, OSP and first responders were dispatched to a single vehicle rollover on Interstate 5 near milepost 133. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2002 Chevy van, operated by TAYLOR NIERI, age 22, from Eugene Oregon, was southbound when one of its tires blew out causing NIERI to lose control. The Chevy van went off the roadway and onto the shoulder where it rolled multiple times. The Chevy van came to an uncontrolled rest on its top after crossing Rogers Road, which is a county road, adjacent to the Interstate 5. During the crash the rear passenger, JAMES THORPE, age 35, from Eugene was ejected. NIERI was declared deceased at the crash scene by first responders. THORPE was transported by ground ambulance to Mercy Medical Center and was later taken by air ambulance to Sacred Heart at Riverbend for critical injuries. OSP is continuing the investigation into the crash. NIERI was wearing safety restraints at the time of the crash. THORPE was not wearing safety restraints. Rogers Road was closed for about three hours during the investigation.
