Hwy. 47 Fatal, Washington Co.
Washington County, Ore. 3 July 24- On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 3:15 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-47, at the intersection with Spring Hill Rd. (milepost 22), in Washington County. The preliminary investigation indicated an Audi Q5, operated by Elvis Jay Harden (81) of Carlton, was on Spring Hill Rd at the stop sign facing westbound and began to make a left hand turn onto Hwy-47 southbound. The Audi entered the path of a northbound Mazda CX5, operated by Derek J. Ellis (41) of Corvallis, and was struck on the driver’s side door. An Oregon State Police Sergeant was approaching the intersection at the time of the crash and immediately rendered aid to the operator of the Audi. The operator of the Audi (Harden), who was not wearing a seatbelt, was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Mazda (Ellis) and passengers, Gemmy Wales Cadigan (40); a 2 year old male; and a 4 month old female, suffered minor injuries and were transported for medical treatment. The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash was an unsafe turn onto the highway. OSP was assisted by Forest Grove Fire, Washington County Sheriffs’ Office, and ODOT.
Fatal Crash, Hwy. 20, Linn Co.
Linn County, Ore. 3 July 24- On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 6:17 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-20, near milepost 21, in Linn County. The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Dodge Ram 1500 (gray), operated by Scott Turner (52) of Sweet Home, crossed several lanes of travel for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound Dodge Ram 2500 (blue), operated by William Drager (34) of Sweet Home, head on. The collision caused heavy damage to both vehicles and the gray Dodge 1500 became fully engulfed in flames shortly after the collision. The operator of the gray Dodge Ram (Turner) was removed from the vehicle and transported with serious injuries to an area hospital. A passenger in the gray Dodge Ram, a 12 year old male, was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the blue Dodge Ram (Drager), was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation. OSP was assisted by the Linn County Sheriffs’ Office and ODOT.
