Surviving Driver Identified in Fatal Crash on 99E South of Brooks

OSP troopers from the Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors.

Photos: Oregon State Police

(BROOKS) - An Oregon City woman died Tuesday afternoon when the car she was driving crashed head-on with another car on Highway 99E about 1/2 mile south of Brooks. The other driver has been identified as 58-year old Carolyn Palacio of Woodburn.

Tuesday at approximately 2:00 PM, a 2004 Kia Rio four-door driven by 59-year old Linda Eilene Moore of Oregon City, was southbound on Highway 99E near milepost 42 when, for an unknown reason, it crossed the centerline and crashed head-on with a northbound 2002 Toyota Camry driven by Carolyn Palacio.

According to Oregon State Police crash reconstructionist Trooper Mark Davie, the crash occurred on the northbound shoulder. Ms. Moore was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators are not sure if she was wearing her seat belt.

Palacio received non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Salem Hospital.

OSP troopers from the Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Alcohol and speed do not appear to be factors.

State highway crews and local emergency responders assisted at the scene. The highway was closed for about 2 1/2 hours when one lane was reopened.