Fatal Hwy. 42 & I-5, Aug. 24

Oregon State Police (OSP) are continuing the investigation into Tuesday morning’s fatal crash on Highway 42 and the I-5 Interchange. On August 23, 2016 at about 11:50 a.m., OSP troopers and emergency responders were dispatched to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 42 and the I-5 Interchange. Preliminary information indicates that a 2005 Isuzu straight truck, operated by Christopher Bennett, age 33, from Roseburg, was southbound on I-5 and was on the off ramp to Highway 42. For unknown reasons Bennett’s truck left the off ramp traveling down an embankment and up a steep incline and onto Highway 42, where it crashed into an eastbound 2007 Toyota Corolla, operated by Marsha Wright, age 62, from Roseburg. Wright was declared deceased at the scene of the crash. A passenger in the Toyota Corolla, Patricia Van Arsdale, age 22, from Roseburg was transported to Mercy Medical Center with critical injuries. Bennett was transported to Mercy Medical Center with minor injuries. All involved were wearing safety belts at the time of the crash. The highway was closed for about 4 hours.