Fatal on Hwy. 18, Oct. 1

On September 30, 2015 at about 10AM, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 18 and Red Prairie Road. Preliminary information indicates a 1994 Ford Escort was traveling northbound on Red Prairie Road when it pulled out in front of a 2004 Peterbilt garbage truck traveling eastbound on Highway 18. The Peterbilt collided with the Ford and both came to rest on Highway 18. The operator of the Ford, Mary E RICKARD, age 55, of Grande Ronde, was transported by air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center where she later died from her injuries. The driver of the Peterbilt, Antonio CHAVEZ, age 23, of McMinnville, was not injured and has cooperated with the investigation. Initial investigation indicated RICKARD failed to yield the right of way to the truck. The highway was closed for over 3 hours for the investigation to be conducted (there was an established detour in place).