Hwy. 18 Fatal, Oct. 13

On October 11, 2015, at about 10:29 p.m., OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a motor vehicle crash at the Highway 18B off-ramp to Willamina from Highway 18. According to Senior Trooper Chad Drew, Bradley Gene JONES, age 47, of Portland, was operating a 1999 Chevy Suburban and traveling eastbound on Highway 18 near milepost 27 and took Highway 18B exit to Willamina at a high rate of speed. The Suburban drove off the roadway but came back onto the off ramp near Yamhill River Road. Then the Suburban traveled east off the roadway and struck a utility pole and large tree before coming to rest down a steep embankment near the Yamhill River. JONES was pronounced deceased at the scene and was not wearing a safety belt. Alcohol may have been a contributing factor.