Hwy. 99W Fatal, April 13

On Thursday, April 9, 2020 at approximately 4:03 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 99W at Bethel Rd, which is approximately two miles east of Perrydale. Preliminary investigation revealed that a Scion XB, operated by Jose Parejas-Iraheta (50) of Eugene, was traveling eastbound on Bethel Rd at Hwy 99W. A Kenworth semi-truck pulling an empty trailer, operated by John Litsin (60) of Independence, was traveling southbound on Hwy 99W. For unknown reasons the Scion attempted to cross Hwy 99W directly in front of the Kenworth and was struck on the drivers side. Parejas-Iraheta and his front passenger, Morena Iraheta-Hernandez (56) of Eugene, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased. A third passenger in the Scion, Juana Cortez (72) of Eugene, was flown to the Salem Hospital by Life Flight with serious injuries. Hwy 99W was closed for five hours following the crash.