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| Update to November 23rd Double Fatal Crash on Highway 34 West of Interstate 5 | ||
| 12/15/2006 | ||
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Lieutenant Mark Cotter Oregon State Police - Albany Office: (541) 967-2112 A continued investigation by Oregon State Police (OSP) collision reconstructionists has resulted in a corrected determination of information first reported on a Thanksgiving morning fatal crash on Highway 34 about 1/2 mile west of Interstate 5 that left two people dead and a third person critically injured. On November 23, 2006 at approximately 6:30 a.m., a 1998 Dodge Durango driven by GREGORY J. GATHINGS, age 27, from Lebanon, was eastbound on Highway 34 when it was involved in a head-on crash with an westbound 2001 Chevrolet Blazer driven by SARY RATH, age 52, from Albany. Both vehicles came to rest blocking the westbound lanes. The drivers of both vehicles were pronounced deceased at the scene. OSP troopers at the scene first believed, based on initial information, that the Chevrolet Blazer driven by RATH had been eastbound and crossed the center median, crashing head-on into the Dodge Durango driven by GATHINGS, which was believed to have been westbound. However, follow-up investigation along with data subsequently analyzed by OSP collision reconstructionists determined that preliminary information was incorrect. OSP investigators now report that the Dodge Durango was eastbound, crossed the center median and crashed head-on with the westbound Chevrolet Blazer. Oregon State Police troopers from Albany and Salem offices conducted the investigation. Additional on scene assistance was provided by Linn County Sheriff's Office, Albany and Tangent Fire Departments, and ODOT. ### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###
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