Pedestrian Struck on Hwy. 58, Oct. 22

On October 21, 2015 at about 6:30AM, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a pedestrian struck on Highway 58 near mile post 30 (4 miles west of Oakridge). Preliminary investigation revealed a 2002 Ford F150 was traveling westbound on Highway 58 near milepost 30 when it lost power and came to a stop in the lane of travel. The driver, Steven R WHITE, age 31, of Lowell, exited his vehicle and walked to the passenger side of his vehicle. The passenger door was open while he spoke with his passenger, Sierra CARDOSA, age 31, of Lowell. A 1999 Oldsmobile Alero being operated by Reginald CASSIUS, age 48, of Springfield, was traveling westbound on Highway 58 when he encountered the stalled Ford pickup. CASSIUS could not stop in time and could not pass in the eastbound lane due to an oncoming vehicle. CASSIUS swerved between the westbound guardrail and the Ford and collided with WHITE who was standing beside the passenger door. WHITE was transported by ground ambulance to Sacred Heart Riverbend Hospital for critical injuries sustained in the collision. CASSIUS and CARDOSA were uninjured. The Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oakridge Police Department assisted with the investigation. The highway was closed for about 30 minutes and reduced to one lane for two hours. At the time of the crash, it was full darkness and there were no lights activated on the Ford. The investigation is continuing and more information will be released when it is available.