Police Investigate Fatal Crash East of Lebanon

Police say they are not sure exactly what caused the driver lost control of his car.

Photo of crash scene: Oregon State Police

(LEBANON, Ore.) - A 21-year old Sweet Home man died Friday morning when he lost control of his car and was struck broadside by a pickup on Highway 20 about five miles east of Lebanon.

Police say that at approximately 4:30 AM, a 2000 Honda Civic driven by 21-year old Whan Antonie Erevia of Sweet Home, was westbound on Highway 20 near milepost 20 when, for an unknown reason, it lost control and spun out across the center paved median into the eastbound lanes where it was struck in the passenger side by an eastbound 1989 Ford F350 pickup.

After impact the Honda and Ford pickup came to a stop on the eastbound shoulder and Mr. Erevia, who was using safety restraints, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The pickup's driver, 79-year old Don W. Ellis of Lebanon, was using safety restraints and received minor injuries. Ellis was transported by ambulance to Lebanon Community Hospital where he was treated and released.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Albany Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Linn County Sheriff's Office, Albany Police Department, Lebanon Fire District, and ODOT assisted at the scene. The eastbound lanes were closed with traffic routed through the area using the paved center median. Eastbound lanes were reopened about 9:00 AM.