Man Dies From Crash that Split His Car in Half

OSP troopers investigating the crash report several driving complaints involving the Mazda were phoned into Linn County Sheriff's Office and they were attempting to find it when the crash happened.

Photos of crash scene: Oregon State Police

(ALBANY, Ore.) - Police say one person died and two other people were injured Thursday afternoon in a three vehicle collision on Highway 226 about four miles west of Scio.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Albany Area Command office are continuing the investigation into the crash in which speed and alcohol are possible contributing factors involving the victim driver.

According to OSP Senior Trooper Huff Myer, Thursday at approximately 2:38 p.m. a 1993 Mazda Protégé driven by 46-year old David W. Vinton of Lebanon, was eastbound on Highway 226 near milepost 7.

"The Mazda had just completed passing a commercial truck when Mr. Vinton lost control and traveled back into the westbound lane where it crashed head-on with a westbound 2000 Chevrolet Silverado pulling a homemade trailer driven by 40-year old Corina Lynn Carter of Jefferson," Myer said.

"After the Chevrolet Silverado came to an uncontrolled stop in the westbound lane, it was struck by a westbound 2000 Ford F250 pickup driven by 54-year old Gary Ray Holzhouser of Scio."

The Mazda split apart shortly after coming to an uncontrolled stop east of the crash scene.

Mr. Vinton was transported by REACH Air Ambulance to Good Samaritan Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival. Troopers investigating the crash have not determined if he was using safety restraints.

Carter and Holzhouser were transported to Albany General Hospital with minor injuries. Both were using safety restraints.

Two passengers in the Ford pickup identified as 21-year old Jordan Wood and 26-year old Loren Wood, both from Scio, were not injured. They were using safety restraints.

OSP troopers investigating the crash report several driving complaints involving the Mazda were phoned into Linn County Sheriff's Office and they were attempting to find it when the crash happened.

Linn County Sheriff's Office, local emergency responders and ODOT assisted at the scene. Length of highway closure is not available. No other information available at this time.