Single Vehicle Fatal Crash Near Willamina

Police remind drivers that accidents can happen any time, but holiday weekends bring increased risk for a variety of reasons.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(McMINNVILLE, Ore.) - A Grand Ronde-area man died Sunday morning after losing control of his car and crashing on the Highway 18 business loop about 1.5 miles east of Willamina. Alcohol and speed are investigated as possible contributing factors.

According to Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Roger Reid, on August 31, 2008 at approximately 10:24 AM, a 1989 Toyota Tercel two door driven by 48-year old Allan J. Butler, from Grand Ronde, was eastbound on the Highway 18 business loop near milepost 4 negotiating a left curve when it drifted onto the right shoulder.

Mr. Butler over-corrected and lost control as the car continued across the highway and back to the eastbound shoulder into a ditch. The car flipped several times before coming to rest on its wheels off the highway.

Police say Mr. Butler was not using safety restraints and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

OSP troopers from the McMinnville Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, Polk County Sheriff's Office, and West Valley Fire Department assisted at the scene.