On July 16, 2016 at approximately 8:30 p.m., OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle head-on crash on Highway 224 near milepost 34 (just east of Estacada). Preliminary investigation revealed a 2003 Chrysler Sebring was traveling westbound on Highway 224, when it veered off the roadway, over-corrected and crossed into the eastbound lane. The Chrysler struck an eastbound 2008 Dodge Charger head-on. The driver and sole occupant of the Chrysler, Joshua R. RICHARDS, age 34, of Portland, was transported to Oregon Health Sciences University and was being treated for non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Dodge, Keith C. PIERCE, age 35, of Mulino, was transported to Oregon Health Sciences University and was being treated for serious injuries. Two adult passengers, Alex J. DAUL, age 34, of Portland, and Mandy L. ALTON, age 34, of Oregon City, were transported to Oregon Health Sciences University and were being treated for non-life threatening injuries. A fourth occupant, an eleven year-old male passenger in the Dodge, was found unresponsive and an OSP Trooper arrived and began CPR. He was transported to Oregon Health Sciences University and was being treated for serious injuries. The fifth occupant of the Dodge, an eight year-old male passenger, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The highway was closed for about four hours while investigators completed a reconstruction of the crash scene. ODOT established detours in the area during the closure. Alcohol consumption is being considered as a contributing factor in the crash.
