Man Dies Outside Eugene-area Hospital‏ From Brain Injury, After Being Discharged

The man had been arrested after a hit and run crash.

Salem-News.com

(EUGENE, Ore.) - Oregon State Police say they have been notified by the Lane County Deputy Medical Examiner that a suspect in a hit and run crash that happened on Interstate 5 near Eugene last Tuesday, died from injuries suffered in the crash.

40-year Jason Cord Menk of Seattle was arrested January 6th after being involved in the hit and run crash on Interstate 5 northbound near milepost 189.

According to Lane County Deputy Medical Examiner Frank Ratti, Mr. Menk was initially released from Sacred Heart Hospital University District following a medical evaluation.

He then collapsed on a walk to a Eugene-area bus station after being discharged from the hospital. At that time he was transported back to Sacred Heart Hospital at RiverBend where he subsequently died from a brain injury; the same hospital that had released Mr. Menk and sent him walking toward the bus station. An autopsy was completed today by Oregon Deputy State Medical Examiner Dr. Dan Davis.

OSP troopers reported spotting the vehicle northbound near milepost 197 and attempted to stop it, but they say Jason Menk failed to yield, continuing northbound at about 55 mph until another OSP trooper deployed spike strips near milepost 206.

After deflating the vehicle's tires, Mr. Menk pulled onto the shoulder and stopped. He was taken into custody without further incident or problems.

A subsequent search of the vehicle led troopers to find a concealed firearm and other evidence including empty alcoholic beverage containers. Jason Menk was initially transported to Lane County Jail.

An investigation with the help of a Drug Recognition Evaluation expert led OSP to transport Menk to the hospital for the medical evaluation.

Troopers say their last contact with Jason Menk was at the hospital, where they cited him to appear in Lane County Circuit Court for Felony Attempt to Elude in a Vehicle, Reckless Driving, DUII, Hit and Run with Property Damage, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.