On December 28, 2016 at 7:30 p.m., Oregon State Police Troopers responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash four miles east of Pleasant Hill. According to Trooper Martin, a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500, operated by Michael VONORTLOFF, age 43, and two juvenile male passengers, all from Dexter, was traveling eastbound on State Route 58 near milepost eight, when VONORTLOFF’s vehicle swerved across the westbound lane of travel and collided head-on into an oak tree. Both juvenile passengers were extricated by fire and medical personnel and were transported to PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend, in Springfield, for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. VONORTLOFF was pronounced deceased at the scene. Distracted driving may have been a contributing factor.
