At about 8:54 AM the Lane County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle fatal crash on Cottage Grove Loraine Highway at about mp 7. The involved vehicle, a 2002 Ford Explorer, was traveling eastbound negotiating a curve, when for undetermined reason/s the vehicle drifted off the pavement onto the gravel shoulder. The 23 year old female driver,from Eugene, was unable to regain control of the vehicle which continued off the roadway, rolled then came to rest approximately 30 feet down the mountain side. The driver’s children were in the passengers of the vehicle (ages 2, 4, and 6). The two year old child sitting in the right rear position died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained during the collision. The other children and the driver sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for observation. There is no evidence to suggest speed, cell phone use, or alcohol was a factor. The three children appear to have been properly restrained. It is not known at this time if the driver was restrained. The investigation is continuing and the Oregon State Police is the lead agency. The name of the driver is being withheld to give the family more time with notifications.
