Crash Kills Philomath Area Man South of Dallas

Police say they don't know why the man lost control of his vehicle

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

(DALLAS, Ore.) - Investigators say a man died early Tuesday morning after his pickup drove off Highway 223 and collided with a tree.

Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Jim Ragon says that around 3:37 AM this morning, a 1994 Datsun pickup driven by 44-year old Walter Lee Manley Jr. of the Philomath area, was northbound on Highway 223 near milepost 11 when, for an unknown reason, it drove off the highway and crashed into a tree.

Mr. Manley was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police could not confirm whether or not he was wearing his seat belt.

OSP troopers from the Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation. There was no evidence of evasive maneuvers or loss of control.

Polk County Sheriff's Office, Dallas Fire Department, and ODOT assisted at the scene.

Source: Oregon State Police