Speed Racing Suspected as Cause of Crash That Killed McMinnville Man

Excessive Speed is a factor in ONE of THREE all fatal crashes.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(McMINNVILLE, Ore.) - On May 4, 2016 at about 8:50 PM, OSP Troopers responded to a collision involving two vehicles on Highway 99W near milepost 34, north of McMinnville.

Upon initial investigation, they discovered that a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer was traveling northbound on Highway 99W when it apparently lost control and spun across the paved center median and struck a southbound 2004 Honda Odyssey van nearly head-on, according to authorities.

The driver of the Mitsubishi, 24-year old Jeromy Hopper, of McMinnville, was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

Hopper's passenger, 18-year old Natasha Fisher, of McMinnville was transported by air ambulance to a Portland hospital with critical injuries.

The driver of the Honda, 43-year old Claudio Martinez Marquez, of McMinnville, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Martinez Marquez's passenger, 33-year old Bonifacio Martinez Garcia, of McMinnville was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

The operator of a Silver 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer remained at the scene after the crash.

Speed racing is being investigated as a factor in the cause of this crash.

Anybody with information regarding this crash should call the Oregon State Police at 503-472-2184.

HWY 99W was closed for approximately 8 hours. OSP was assisted by the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, McMinnville Police Department, Newberg Police Department ODOT, and McMinnville Fire Department.

Source: Oregon State Police