LANE COUNTY, OR (April 3, 2023) - The Oregon State Police (OSP) is reporting that on Friday, March 31, 2023, at approximately 8:30 A.M., OSP responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 99E, near milepost 32, in Lane County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a white GMC Sierra, operated by Kenneth Clair Tish, 53, of Yoncalla, was travelling southbound when for unknown reasons it crossed the center lane line and struck a northbound blue Jeep Cherokee, operated by Nicholas Aaron Tyree, 40, of Lebanon, head-on.
The GMC operator was transported via ambulance to the Riverbend Hospital.
The Jeep operator was pronounced deceased on scene by responding fire/medic personnel.
The roadway was closed for approximately 4.5 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.
The cause of the crash is under investigation and will be referred to the Lane County District Attorney's Office.
OSP was assisted by the Lane County District Attorney's Office, the Lane County Medical Examiner's Office, Junction City Fire, and ODOT.