Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Saturday afternoon's traffic crash on Highway 199 north of Cave Junction that resulted in the later death of a 42-year old Cave Junction woman. Any unidentified witnesses to the crash are asked to contact OSP.
According to Sergeant First Class Mark Byrd, on June 23, 2012 at approximately 6:30 p.m., a 1988 Ford Bronco driven by RALPH E. McCORNACK, age 44, from Cave Junction, was northbound on Highway 199 near mile post 27 when it veered across the centerline into the southbound lane. A 2012 Dodge Avenger driven by NICOLE M. FARAR, age 31, from Castro Valley, California, was southbound and swerved into the northbound lanes in an attempt to avoid a head-on collision. The two vehicles collided passenger side to passenger side.
After the initial impact, the Ford Bronco lost control and rolled several times. Its passenger, MICHELE R. HEBDON, age 42, from Cave Junction, was transported by LifeFlight to Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford. She reportedly died of injuries sustained in the crash early Sunday morning.
McCORNACK was transported by ambulance to Three Rivers Hospital in Grants Pass where he was treated and released.
FARAR and her passenger, MATT BRIDGES, age 36, from Castro Valley, was evaluated on scene by paramedics but declined transport.
Troopers on scene were able to determine through their investigation that McCORNACK and HEBDON were not using seatbelts. FARAR and BRIDGES were using seatbelts.
OSP troopers from the Grants Pass and Central Point Patrol offices are continuing the investigation. OSP is requesting anyone witnessing the crash to call the Oregon State Police Dispatch Center at (541) 474-3174. Senior Trooper Scott Holsworth is the lead investigator.
OSP was assisted at the scene by the US Forest Service, Josephine County Sheriff's Office, Josephine County District Attorney's Office, Illinois Valley Fire District, and AMR Ambulance personnel.
Photographs - Oregon State Police
