Alcohol Related Fatal Crash Under Investigation in Linn County

A LifeFlight helicopter transported the driver of the car to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis.

Salem-News.com

(LEBANON, Ore.) - Linn County deputies are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred last night at about 9:20 PM on Old Santiam Highway, approximately 4 miles east of Lebanon in the Waterloo area.

The Linn County Sheriff Tim Mueller says the driver of the 1994 Buick Le Saber was identified as 47-year old Michael Mullenix of Lebanon. His passenger was identified as his wife, 51-year old Janet M. Long-Mullenix, also of Lebanon.

"The couple had been traveling west on Old Santiam Highway when their vehicle left the roadway for unknown reasons," Mueller said.

"The vehicle traveled off the north side of the roadway, though a fence and into a large fir tree. The vehicle had been off the roadway for a short time before a neighbor noticed it and called 911."

He says Mrs. Mullenix died at the scene from her injuries. A LifeFlight helicopter transported Mr. Mullenix to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis, where he is in critical condition. Mueller says alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash.

Huston-Jost Funeral Home transported the deceased pending further arrangements.

Lebanon Fire and Medics were on scene and helped with blocking the roadway so the helicopter could land near the scene, Mueller said. The road was closed for several hours during the investigation.

The crash remains under investigation by the Multi-Agency Accident Investigation Team. The team is made up from personnel from the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Oregon State Police, and the Albany, Lebanon and Sweet Home Police Departments.