Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Saturday evening’s fatal two vehicle crash on Highway 22E and Fern Ridge Road SE near Stayton.
On Saturday, October 19, 2019 at about 5:35 pm, OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle fatal crash on Highway 22E at Fern Ridge Rd SE.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a Mercury Marquis, operated by Mark HIGLEY, age 88, from Stayton, was traveling westbound on Highway 22E attempting to turn westbound onto Fern Ridge Rd SE. A Chevrolet Suburban, operated by Windy DETHMAN, age 49, from Culver, was traveling eastbound on Highway 22E. HIGLEY turned directly into the path of the oncoming Suburban and was struck nearly head-on.
A passenger in HIGLEY’S vehicle, Ella HIGLEY, age 86, from Stayton, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mark HIGLEY was not injured.
Two adult passengers in DETHMAN’S vehicle are identified as Robert DETHMAN, age 52 and Neoma MILLER, age 33, both form Culver. Robert DETHMAN received serious injuries. Windy DETHMAN and Neoma MILLER were uninjured. In addition, there were four (4) children in DETHMAN’S vehicle that were not injured.
Highway 22E was closed for four hours (4) following the crash.
OSP was assisted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, ODOT and Stayton Fire and Medics.
Photograph provided by OSP.
