On May 9, 2016 at about 5:50AM, OSP received the report of an eastbound vehicle which could not stay within it’s lane of travel on Highway 22 near milepost 19. The caller reported the vehicle was crossing over the centerline and the back into it’s lane of travel. At approximately 5:54AM, OSP received another call that the vehicle of concern had been involved in a head-on crash on Highway 22 near milepost 20 (just west of Lyons). Preliminary investigation revealed the vehicle of concern, a 1997 Acura coupe, crossed the centerline and struck a westbound 2000 Chevrolet Blazer head-on. The driver of the Acura, Richard J BEALS, age 21, of Lyons was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the Chevrolet, Jessica M LEMMER, age 36, of Mill City, received serious injuries and was taken to Salem Hospital and then to Oregon Health and Science University by air ambulance. LEMMER’s passenger, Kaitlin MERCER, age 21, of Mill City, was taken to Stayton Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Highway 22 was closed for 3 hours with a detour established by the Oregon Department of Transportation. OSP was assisted by Marion County Sheriff’s Office, ODOT, Stayton Fire and Lyons Fire and Rescue.
