On March 20, 2020 at about 6:00 p.m., Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers and emergency personnel responded to a reported two vehicle crash on Highway 138E near milepost 8. Preliminary investigation revealed that a BMW coupe, operated by Eddie GAYLOR, age 62, from Roseburg, was eastbound on Highway 138E. The BMW lost control for unknown reasons and rear ended a Ford pickup operated by Allen GILBERT, age 73, from Roseburg. The BMW spun out of control and crossed both on coming lanes before hitting the rock embankment on the westbound shoulder. The Ford pickup rolled on impact and GILBERT was ejected from the vehicle. The pickup came to a stop in the westbound lanes of 138E. GILBERT was pronounced deceased at the scene by first responders. GAYLOR was transported with critical injuries to Mercy Medical Center and later transferred to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield. All lanes of the highway were closed for over three hours during the investigation. Investigators believe that neither GAYLOR nor GILBERT were wearing safety belts at the time of the crash.
