126W Fatality, July 18

Oregon State Police (OSP) confirmed that a second person died following Wednesday afternoon’s two vehicle head-on crash on Highway 126W between Veneta and Eugene. OSP is continuing the investigation into the cause of the crash. The names of both drivers are released in this updpate.  On July 16, 2014 at approximately 1:10 p.m., a 2008 Toyota Prius driven by BRUNHILDE MARIA WATKINS, age 78, from Veneta, was westbound on Highway 126W near milepost 50. For an unconfirmed reason, the Toyota traveled across the centerline and collided head-on with an eastbound 1986 Toyota 4Runner sport utility vehicle driven by KIRK GERARD RINALDI, age 47, from Dorena.  WATKINS was pronounced deceased at the scene.  RINALDI was extricated by firefighters and transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend with serious injuries. According to the Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office, RINALDI died early Thursday morning at the hospital.  Both drivers were believed to be using safety restraints.