Drain Man Dies in Single Car Crash Near Cottage Grove

Police believe speed was a factor in the fatal crash.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(COTTAGE GROVE, Ore.) - Police say a 42-year old Drain area man died early Sunday morning when his pickup drove off Highway 99 about three miles north of Cottage Grove and struck a tree.

The crash happened at approximately 2:24 AM this morning. Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Blaine Hlebechuk says a 2004 Dodge Dakota pickup driven by 42-year old James Dean Plueard of Drain, was southbound on Highway 99 near Cea Jack Road when it left the highway and crashed into a tree.

Mr. Plueard was pronounced deceased at the scene. Safety restraint use information is not available. OSP troopers from the Springfield Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

Hlebechuk says speed is a factor in this crash. South Lane Fire Department and ODOT assisted at the scene.