Bend Man Seriously Injured When Large Rock Crashes Through Windshield

Investigators believe the rock fell from an area embankment.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(SWEET HOME) - A Bend-area resident enroute to Corvallis was seriously injured Friday afternoon when a large rock crashed through the windshield of his pickup and struck his right side. The incident occurred on Highway 20 about 27 miles east of Sweet Home. OSP says at approximately 4:49 PM, a Toyota pickup driven by 23-year-old Sean C. Passage, from Bend, was westbound on Highway 20 near milepost 55 when a large rock crashed through the front windshield and struck Passage in the right side and arm. After impact, Passage was able to keep control of the car and swerved to the right shoulder where he stopped and got out. Passage laid on the highway shoulder and flagged down a passing motorist who transported him towards Sweet Home. Once in cell phone service area, local emergency responders were notified. Sweet Home area medics met the motorist and Passage, taking over transport and continued to Sweet Home High School where they were met by REACH air ambulance. Passage was then taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis for treatment of his serious injuries. Passage was enroute to Corvallis where he reportedly is a student at Oregon State University. Oregon State Police troopers from Albany Area Command are investigating the incident.