On Sunday July 30th, 2017 at approximately 4:23PM, OSP was notified of a motor vehicle crash on Highway 38 near milepost 21. A 2012 GMC Canyon westbound was being operated by a 83 year old Norman FRASER from Coos Bay when he was blinded by the sun and swerved into the oncoming lane of travel. A 1997 Toyota Tacoma was eastbound and attempted to avoid the GMC, but both vehicles struck nearly head on. The Tacoma was operated by a 70 year old Jerry D. PALMER from Junction City and was occupied with a passenger, 29 year old Jerry L. PALMER from Veneta. The GMC came to an uncontrolled rest facing eastbound on the eastbound shoulder. The Tacoma came to an uncontrolled rest facing eastbound in the westbound lane. A third vehicle, identified as a 2001 Dodge 2500 pickup, operated by 77 year old Samuel AUSTIN from Cottage Grove struck the Tacoma and continued off the westbound shoulder where it stopped. FRASER was taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Jerry D. PALMER was extricated from his vehicle and taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Jerry L. PALMER was extricated and succumbed to his injuries injuries. AUSTIN was uninjured and declined medical attention. All vehicles were towed by Mast Brothers due to damage. Investigation is ongoing. Highway 38 was closed for approximately 1 ?1/2 hours during the investigation.
