On January 8, 2016 at 9:41 PM, OSP received the report of a motor vehicle crash on Highland Avenue near the intersection of Donaldson Road in Grants Pass. Investigation revealed that a 1998 Ford F150 was traveling south on Highland Avenue when it sideswiped a semi-trailer parked on the right shoulder near the intersection of Merlin Road. The Ford continued south on Highland Ave for approximately 400 feet before coming to a stop on the right shoulder of the roadway near the intersection of Donaldson Road. The driver of the Ford fled the scene. The front passenger, MEGAN BECKLUND, age 32, from Grants Pass, was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel. The rear passenger, JEREMY PEARSON, age 36, from Ashland, was also pronounced deceased. On January 22nd, 2016, at 10:18a.m., Detectives from the Oregon State Police Criminal Investigation Division arrested GABRIEL LOVELL, age 43, from Grants Pass, on the following charges: 2 Counts of Manslaughter in the first degree; Failure to perform duties of a driver to injured persons — Felony. LOVELL was lodged at the Josephine County Jail.
