Three Die in Crash on Highway 224

Police say all names will be released following positive identification of the deceased persons and next of kin notifications.

Salem-News.com

(ESTACADA, Ore.) - Police say two people died and one was seriously injured early this morning in a single vehicle crash on Highway 224 about thirty miles east of Estacada. The names of the three occupants are withheld pending positive identification and next of kin notifications.

Oregon State Police Sergeant Fred Testa says that around 5:53 AM, a report was received of a single vehicle crash on Highway 224 in the Ripplebrook area near milepost 49.

OSP, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Estacada Fire Department, and U.S. Forest Service personnel responded to the scene, confirming two people were dead and another seriously injured.

Testa says the preliminary investigation indicates a motorist came upon the scene of a tree across the highway and upon checking the situation spotted a car down an embankment.

A 1999 Honda Civic two-door with three occupants was eastbound on Highway 224 negotiating a left curve when it lost control and drove off the right shoulder, Testa said.

"As the car traveled down an embankment it struck a tree causing the tree to fall onto the highway. The car continued down the embankment and came to a stop on its passenger side amongst other trees and brush."

The male driver and right front male passenger were pronounced deceased at the scene, Testa said. A 19-year old male rear passenger was seriously injured. He was transported by ambulance to Oregon Health Sciences University.

All names will be released following positive identification of the deceased persons and next of kin notifications.

OSP troopers from the Portland Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Estacada Fire Department, ODOT, and U.S. Forest Service assisted at the scene.