DOUGLAS COUNTY, OR - On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 2:02 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 138E, near milepost 17, in Douglas County.
The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Nissan Versa, operated by Ronald Lee Grubbs (75) of Glide, was attempting to turn left into the Dollar General parking lot. The Nissan entered the path of a westbound Honda motorcycle, operated by Reuben James Wiles (26) of Idleyld Park, causing the Honda to impact the passenger side of the Nissan.
The operator of the Honda (Wiles) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Nissan (Ronald Grubbs) and passenger, Catherine Jean Grubbs (72) of Glide, were reportedly uninjured.
The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. The primary cause of the crash is considered an unsafe turn.
OSP was assisted by Glide Fire and ODOT.
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About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU)
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.
