On Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 1:56 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-361, near milepost 12, in Jefferson County. The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota Camry, operated by Maria Calderon (54) of Metolius, was traveling southbound when it attempted to negotiate a corner at a high rate of speed. The Toyota crossed the centerline and struck a northbound Ford Focus, operated by Melonie Dawn Aldred (51) of Culver, head on. The operator of the Toyota (Calderon) was extricated and life flighted with serious injuries. The operator of the Ford (Aldred) was declared deceased at the scene. The highway was impacted for approximately 3 hours during the on-scene investigation. This investigation is on-going. OSP was assisted by Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Madras PD, and ODOT.
