A 21-year old Sweet Home man died early Friday morning when he lost control of his car and was struck broadside by a pickup on Highway 20 about five miles east of Lebanon.
According to state police, Whan Antonio Erevia, known as “Tony,” was driving a 2000 Honda Civic westbound on Highway 20 near milepost 20 at approximately 4:30 a.m. when, for an unknown reason, he lost control and the vehicle spun out across the center paved median into the eastbound lanes striking the passenger side of an eastbound 1989 Ford F350 pickup.
After impact, the Honda and Ford pickup came to a stop on the eastbound shoulder; and Erevia, who was using safety restraints, was pronounced deceased at the scene, police said.
The pickup’s driver, Don W. Ellis, 79, of Lebanon, was using safety restraints and received minor injuries. Ellis was transported by ambulance to Lebanon Community Hospital where he was treated and released.
Oregon State Police troopers from the Albany Area Command office are continuing the investigation.
Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Albany Police Department, Lebanon Fire District and Oregon Department of Transportation assisted at the scene.
The eastbound lanes were closed, with traffic routed through the area using the paved center median. Eastbound lanes were re-opened about 9 a.m.