Linn County, Ore. – A tragic head-on collision on Highway 22 in Linn County on Friday morning resulted in the death of one driver and left another seriously injured, according to the Oregon State Police (OSP).
The crash occurred near Minto Road when a red Cadillac, driven by 79-year-old Theodore Kleinman of Redmond, veered off the roadway and collided head-on with a blue Ford F-150. The Ford was being driven by a 76-year-old woman, also from Redmond.
Both drivers suffered serious injuries in the crash and were transported to a nearby hospital. Kleinman later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The driver of the Ford F-150 remains hospitalized in critical condition, though her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. A passenger in the Ford, whose identity has not been released, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The highway was closed for about four hours while OSP’s Collision Reconstruction Unit conducted an investigation at the scene. The closure impacted traffic but allowed authorities to gather crucial details to determine the cause of the crash. The investigation was supported by multiple local agencies, including the Turner, Gates, and Idanha Fire Departments, as well as the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and OSP officials are asking anyone with information to come forward. Authorities are also reminding drivers to exercise caution on the road and adhere to traffic laws to prevent further tragedies.
The accident highlights the dangers of driving at any age, and officials are urging drivers to stay alert, especially in challenging road conditions.
