Fatal Head-On Crash on HWY 22W near MP 6.5 in Polk County

This stretch of highway can be very dangerous, even for the most experienced driver.

Head on collision in Polk County causes fatality. Photo: OSP

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into this afternoon's head-on crash on highway 22W at milepost 6.5 - near Red Prairie Road in Polk County.

Preliminary information indicates shortly before 4:30 p.m., a green, 1995 Plymouth Neon, was westbound on highway 22W near Red Prairie Road overtaking another vehicle in the oncoming lane.

The Neon collided head-on with an eastbound, Gray, 2004 Chevrolet Venture. The driver of the Neon, identified as 19-year old Joshua Deeds, of Otis, was transported to Salem Hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the Venture, identified as 73-year old Ms. Orsene Davis, of Salem, was transported via air ambulance to Salem Hospital with serious injuries. The passenger in the Venture, identified as 70-year old Mr. Carrol Davis, of Salem, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation and no further information is available at this time. OSP is working with the Polk County District Attorney's office and any further release of information will be coordinated with the District Attorney.

OSP was assisted at the scene by the Polk County Sheriff's Department, Polk County Fire District No.1, Dallas Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

Source: Oregon State Police