Another killed in a Pass crash

One killed, eight injured in wreck

SANTIAM PASS: A traffic crash Sunday afternoon took the life of one man and injured eight others.

According to Oregon State Police reports, the accident occurred on May 18th at approximately 12:35 p.m. It involved a 2008 Ford Focus driven by Ellen D. Freddi, 34, from Jefferson, who was traveling eastbound near milepost 81 when she lost control on the wet roadway and struck a guardrail on the south side of the highway. The Ford continued into the westbound lane where it collided nearly head-on with a 2007 Honda Accord with four occupants. The Honda spun broadside and was struck in the driver’s side by a 2009 Toyota RAV sport utility vehicle with two occupants.

The Honda’s driver, Joshua James Shepherd, 33, from Mt. Angel, was pronounced deceased at the scene. His wife, Jennifer A. Shepherd, 32, was the right front seat passenger. She and two children, ages four and one, were transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. Jennifer Shepherd and her four-year old son, Liam Shepherd, were both transferred by air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland. They are both in intensive care units receiving treatment. The one-year old daughter was reportedly not injured.

Freddi and passengers Lindsey Hammons-Williams, 29, and Vanessa D. Silva, 31, also both from Jefferson, were transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. Police said injuries were believed to be non-life threatening. Hammons-Williams was asleep in the rear seat and was not using safety restraints. She was ejected from the car.

The Toyota RAV’s driver, Steven A. Warner, 59, from Beaverton, and passenger Rosalie Warner, 55, were treated at the scene but not taken to a hospital. Both reportedly went to a doctor for a medical examination of minor injuries later.

Initial information indicates all others involved were reportedly using safety restraints.

OSP troopers from Bend, Madras and LaPine offices responded to the scene.

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, ODOT, and medics from the National Guard who were traveling through the area assisted OSP at the scene.

OSP extended thanks to Guard personnel and other citizens who stopped to help the injured prior to the arrival of emergency first responders.

The highway was closed for several hours until patients were transported and an investigation was conducted.

Image above: Photo Courtesy OSP. The 33 year old driver of a Honda Accord died at the scene of a Sunday afternoon accident along what’s recently become a dangerous stretch of Hwy. 20 up on the Santiam Pass.

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