Police Name Victims in Triple Fatal Traffic Crash Near Elsie

Two of the victims still have not been named pending notification of their next of kin.

Photos of crash scene: Oregon State Police Full size photos below story

(ELSIE, Ore.) - Oregon State Police investigators are continuing the investigation of a two-vehicle head-on crash Sunday afternoon on Highway 26 east of Elsie that resulted in the death of three people and injuries to four others. The names are being released except for two victims whose next of kin have not been confirmed as notified.

Lieutenant Gregg Hastings with Oregon State Police says Sunday afternoon at approximately 3:45 PM, a red 1999 Volkswagen Jetta driven by 22-year old Florencio Martinez-Butron of Gardena, California, was westbound on Highway 26 near milepost 25 when, for unknown reasons, crossed the center line and crashed nearly head-on with an eastbound Chevrolet Silverado pickup driven by 53-year old Walter E. Remmers Jr. of northwest Portland.

Three female passegers in the rear seats of the Volkswagen Jetta were pronounced deceased at the scene, Hastings said.

"According to investigating troopers, all three were not using safety restraits. Names of two of the female victims, ages 23 and 17, are withheld pending next of kin notification."

He says the third victim seated in the middle rear seat passenger is identified as 23-year old Roxana M. Chavez of Tigard.

The driver, Florencio Martinez-Butron and the car's right front passenger, 21-year old Miguel Angel Martinez-Butron, were using safety restraints and were transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. The driver received minor injuries according to Hastings. The right passenger was transported by LifeFlight with critical injuries.

Remmers and his passenger,34-year old Jamie M. Dallas of Portland, were reportedly transported to Legacy Emanuel Hospital. Remmers received minor injuries and Dallas received non-life threatening injuries.

Investigating troopers advise conditions at the time of the crash were not icy and alcohol/drugs were not factors.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Astoria Area Command office are continuing the investigation. ODOT and Elsie-Vinemaple Fire Department personnel are assisting. A detour was established around the scene and the highway was reopened about 9:30 PM.

No further information available for release at this time.