Hwy. 58 Fatal, Lane Co., Dec. 20

On Friday, December 17, 2021, James Cam Johnson IV (31) was arrested and lodged in the Lane County Jail in connection with a May 30, 2021 motor vehicle crash that resulted in a triple fatality. Johnson was charged with Manslaughter 2nd x 3, Assault 3rd, Assault 4th x 2, Criminal Mischief 2nd and DUII. One Update: Oregon State Police is requesting the public’s assistance with witnesses to yesterday’s triple fatality crash. A fourth vehicle, possibly a blue pickup was involved in the crash but left the scene without providing information. OSP is seeking information on the involved pickup. If you were a witness to the crash, have any video/pictures around the time and area of the crash, or any information please contact the Oregon State Police Northern Command Center at 1-800-442-0776 or *OSP and leave information for Trooper Phillips regarding OSP case # SP21-144382. Names of operator and occupants of Mazda M3 – Mazda M3 was operated by Jagadish Chandrasekaren (31) of Washington sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Passengers: Adharsh Murali (25) of Washington sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Jignesh Modi (27) of Washington sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Puneeth Gattikoppula (24) of Washington transported by air ambulance to the hospital with serious injuries. OSP is/was being assisted by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Oakridge Fire Department, Goshen Fire Department, Dexter Fire Department, Lane County District Attorney’s Office, and ODOT. On Sunday, May 30, 2021 at approximately 10:15 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle collision on Hwy 58 near milepost 27. Preliminary investigation revealed a Ford Taurus, operated by James Johnson (31) of Oakridge, was westbound passing in a no passing zone when it collided with a also westbound Chrysler Town and Country, operated by Michael Cary (63) of Oakridge, the Taurus then collided with a eastbound Mazda 3. Three occupants in the Mazda 3 sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased. A fourth occupant was transported by air ambulance to the hospital with serious injuries. Cary was not transported but later went to the hospital for treatment. Johnson was transported to the hospital. Investigation is continuing and names will be released when appropriate.