Fatal Crash Near Carlton Takes Three Lives

"...occupants in the Honda were not wearing seat belts and/or in child safety seats..." -OSP

Head on crash near Carlton Tuesday morning. Photo: OSP

(CARLTON, Ore.) - Three people were killed and a 4-year-old child was critically injured in a crash on Highway 47 near Carlton early Tuesday morning.

Emergency crews responded to Milepost 37 at 4:30 a.m. According to investigators, a northbound 1992 Honda Accord driven by 24-year old Teven Ray Stone, of Sheridan, drifted across the centerline into the path of an oncoming 2008 GMC pickup early Tuesday morning.

Stone and two of his passengers, 39-year old Jennifer A. Heath, of McMinnville, and 45-year old Johnny E. Highley, were pronounced dead at the scene.

A 4-year-old boy was also in the car, allegedly the driver's child. The toddler suffered life-threatening injuries, and is considered to be in critical condition. The child was transferred from Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville to Oregon Health & Science University for treatment.

"It appeared several of the occupants in the Honda Accord were not wearing seat belts and/or in child safety seats," according to Oregon State Police.

The driver of the pickup, 64-year old Jeff Morgan of Yamhill, suffered serious injuries that were not considered life-threatening, according to police.

Highway 47 was closed for more than four hours, with traffic detoured while the on site investigation was underway.

OSP was assisted by the Oregon Department of Transportation, Yamhill County Sheriff's Office and the Carlton Fire Department.

The investigation is continuing.