On September 13, 2017 at 9:34 PM, OSP Troopers responded to a fatal single motor vehicle rollover crash on Jerome Prairie Road near the intersection of Helms Road in rural Josephine County near Grants Pass. Preliminary investigation revealed a light blue 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit was travelling west on Jerome Prairie Road approaching the intersection at Helms Road. The Volkswagen veered slightly off the roadway while negotiating a curve and rolled over landing on its top in the eastbound lane. The driver, David Anthony Romero (45) of Grants Pass was found seat belted in the vehicle upon police arrival. Romero was pronounced deceased on scene by emergency medical personnel. A passenger, Scott Thomas Taylor (46) of Grants Pass was transported by ambulance to Three Rivers Medical Center in Grants Pass with non-life threatening injuries. Speed and possible alcohol are suspected to be contributing factors to the crash.
