On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at approximately 8:51 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-20, near milepost 19, in Linn County. The preliminary investigation indicated a gray Hyundai Elantra, operated by Joel William Applebaum (30) of Sweet Home, was traveling eastbound when it left its lane of travel and entered the westbound lane. The Hyundai struck a westbound yellow Mitsubishi Lancer, operated by Joy Lavonne Backus (70) of Sweet Home, head-on. Both vehicle operators, Applebaum and Backus, were declared deceased at the scene. The highway was impacted for approximately 3 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation. OSP was assisted by Lebanon Fire, Sweet Home Fire, and ODOT.
