Benton County Fatal Crash West of Corvallis
(SALEM, Ore.) — On Friday at 12:31 pm, Benton County Deputies were dispatched to a head-on collision on Walnut Boulevard, just west of Corvallis City limits.
The driver of a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am was northbound on Walnut Boulevard at 5500 NW when it veered across the center line and struck a 2010 Ford Escape that was traveling southbound. The driver of the Pontiac, Bradford J Hickswa, 28 years old, of Corvallis was taken by Corvallis Fire Department Ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in serious condition.
The driver of the Ford, Douglas Lee Stewart, 75 years old, of Philomath died of his injuries at Good Samaritan.
The investigation of the crash is continuing, but it does not appear that drugs or alcohol are contributing factors. It is unknown at this time as to what caused the Pontiac Grand Am to veer out of its lane into the Ford Escape.
Walnut Boulevard was shut down for 4 hours to complete the diagram and preliminary investigation. Witnesses to the crash are asked to contact Deputy Brent Iverson of the Benton County Sheriff's Office at 541.766.6858 The Crash was investigated with assistance of the Corvallis and Philomath Police Departments as well as Benton County Public Works.
"Since July 31, 2017, Benton County Sheriff's Office has investigated 4 crashes that have resulted in 5 deaths. This abnormal amount of fatal crashes are not attributable to a single cause, but the Sheriff's Office would like to remind the public to concentrate and focus on driving safely and without distractions." Undersheriff Greg Ridler
