Lane County, Ore. — A tragic single-vehicle crash on Highway 569 near the Highway 99 off-ramp Tuesday afternoon claimed the life of 35-year-old Jose Maria Perez Mata of Eugene.
According to Oregon State Police, Mata was driving a white Toyota Tundra eastbound on Highway 569 when he failed to navigate the Hwy 99 off-ramp. The vehicle continued off the roadway, executing a sudden maneuver that caused it to roll over. It then came to a stop on the roadway.
Mata, the only occupant of the vehicle, was declared deceased at the scene.
The Oregon State Police led the investigation, which caused traffic delays for approximately three hours as authorities worked to clear the scene. Several agencies assisted in the response, including the Eugene Police Department, Eugene Springfield Fire Department, Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
At this time, officials have not released further details on the cause of the crash, and the investigation is ongoing. The fatal incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of driving, especially on challenging roadways.
Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution and stay aware of road conditions when traveling through the area.