Hwy. 20 Fatal, May 16

On May 15, 2017 at about 10:04 a.m., OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two-vehicle crash on Highway 20 near milepost 75 (at the Santiam Junction). Preliminary investigation revealed that a green 2001 Toyota Tacoma, operated by Lucas ETTINGER, age 33, of Salem, was travelling eastbound on Highway 20 at the Santiam Junction when a 1993 Ford F250 pickup, operated by Willard METZLER II, age 57, and passenger, Dana METZLER, age 63, both of Sutherlin, was travelling westbound and turned in the path of the Toyota. The Toyota collided with the Ford nearly head-on. Dana METZLER suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The remaining occupants received minor injuries and were transported by third party for treatment of their injuries. Highway 20 was closed for approximately one hour following the crash. One lane was opened for two hours until both lanes were reopened.