Patch of Ice Leads to Fatal Wreck

Drivers need to slow down as winter temperatures remain at or below freezing.

Photo of crash scene on Highway 18 Photo courtesy: Oregon State Police

(SHERIDAN) - Investigators say a patch of ice led to a fatal crash on Highway 18 Friday evening about three miles east of Sheridan. The 6:40 PM crash claimed the life of a 21-year old St. Paul woman.

Oregon State Police troopers say it appears that a westbound 2005 Honda Accord lost control on a patch of ice and slid into the path of an eastbound 1988 Ford pickup truck.

The operator of the Honda, 21-year old Rebecca A. Morrow of St. Paul was pronounced dead at the scene. She was wearing her seatbelt and her airbag did deploy.

The operator of the Ford truck, 45-year old Jeffery J. Rea of Sheridan was transported by ambulance to Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville with serious injuries. He was later transferred to a Portland area Hospital for further treatment. He was wearing his seatbelt, his vehicle was not equipped with an airbag.

A passenger in the Honda, 22-year old Daniel J, Looney of Canby was transported by ambulance to Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville with serious injuries. He was wearing his seatbelt and his passenger side airbag did deploy.

Highway 18 was closed for about three hours while the scene was investigated. Before re-opening the highway, ODOT sanded and applied de-icing chemicals heavily in that stretch of the highway.

The Oregon State Police were assisted by ODOT, the Yamhill County Sheriffs Office, and the Sheridan Fire Department with the scene and detour.