Carlton Man Killed After Being Hit by Sleepy Driver

Driver fatigue is being investigated as a contributing factor in the crash.

Oregon State Police are continuing their investigation into Tuesday afternoon's fatal bicycle involved traffic crash that occurred along Highway 47 about two miles north of McMinnville. Photo Courtesy: Oregon State Police

(McMINNVILLE, Ore. ) - Oregon State Police are continuing their investigation into Tuesday afternoon's fatal bicycle involved traffic crash that occurred along Highway 47 about two miles north of McMinnville.

According to Sergeant Brad Hessel, at approximately 5:00 p.m., 56-year-old Juan Huapeo Garcia, from Carlton, was riding a bicycle along the paved northbound shoulder of Highway 47 near milepost 41.

A 1999 Chevrolet van driven by 45-year-old Richard King, from Carlton, was traveling northbound when King apparently fell asleep and struck the bicycle from behind.

Huapeo Garcia was ejected from the bike and pronounced deceased at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet.

King was not injured, and is cooperating with investigators.

Upon completion of the investigation, OSP will review the details with the Yamhill County District Attorney's office prior to an enforcement decision being made.

Driver fatigue is being investigated as a contributing factor. Trooper Nic Cederberg is the lead investigator.

OSP troopers from the McMinnville Area Command office are investigating the fatal crash.

OSP was assisted at the scene by Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, Carlton Police Department, McMinnville Fire Department, and ODOT.

The highway was closed about four hours.

Source: Oregon State Police