Fatal Traffic Crash - Highway 164 Near Jefferson

Updated Deceased Identified

PHOTO: Oregon State Police

(JEFFERSON, Ore.) - Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Sunday morning's two-vehicle fatal traffic crash in which an 84-year old man died and another person was injured on Highway 164 (Jefferson Highway) about a half mile outside of Jefferson.

According to OSP Sergeant Eric Judah, on November 7, 2010 at approximately 10:15 a.m. a 1994 Honda Accord driven by Chester J. Novak, age 84, from Jefferson, was southbound on Highway 164 near milepost 7 when it drifted to the right and collided with a bridge guardrail. Novak lost control of his car and entered the northbound lane were it collided head-on into a 2001 Dodge pickup. Both vehicles came to a rest blocking the highway.

Novak was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The pickup's driver, Janet E. Fitts, age 69 from Albany, was taken by Jefferson Ambulance to a Salem Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Both drivers were wearing there safety restraints.

OSP troopers from the Albany Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

ODOT and Jefferson Fire Department assisted at the scene. The highway was blocked for approximately four hours.

News Release from: Oregon State Police