Volkswagen Jetta at scene of deadly crash. / Courtesy photo by Oregon State Police
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Oregon State Police report they are continuing to investigate a single-vehicle collision in which a Centralia man died and his passenger was seriously injured.
It happened on Saturday afternoon in Baker County in Eastern Oregon.
Troopers and emergency personnel responded about 3:37 p.m. to the crash on Highway 245 near milepost 11 in Hereford, according to OSP.
Preliminary investigation revealed a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta was traveling northbound when it drifted out of its lane, crossed the oncoming lane and continued off the roadway, where it struck a tree, according to a press release issued yesterday. The driver, Luis A. Barrera Mendez, age 29, of Centralia, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The passenger, Octavio Castro Valdez, 25, of Centralia was transported by Life Flight to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise for treatment of his serious injuries, according to OSP.
Assisting were Baker County Sheriff’s Office, Baker City Fire Department, Blue Mountain Ambulance and Oregon Department of Transportation.
OSP indicates further information will be released as it becomes available.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter