OSP continuing investigation into cause of fatal head-on crash
From our weekly issue dated June 25, 2008
Two deaths resulted from a head-on collision on Hwy. 199 on Sunday, June 22 between Kerby and Selma.
The drivers of two vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene of a major head-on collision that closed Hwy. 199 between Kerby and Selma for several hours on Sunday, June 22, said Oregon State Police (OSP).
The victims were identified as Cave Junction resident Azlan Breeze, 24; and Talent resident Carolyn Calkins, 61. Breeze is the son of former Illinois Valley resident Mary Wertz. Upon being notified in Alaska of the death, she said that she would be returning.
OSP said that besides the fatalities, two young persons riding in one of the cars suffered serious injuries.
The crash, approximately 300 yards north of Eight Dollar Mt. Road, was reported at around 6:53 p.m. Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD) and American Medical Response (AMR) hurried to the scene in force to assist the injured, stand by in case of fire, and perform other emergency duties.
Two deaths resulted from a head-on collision on Hwy. 199 on Sunday, June 22 between Kerby and Selma.
OSP and Josephine County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) responded with two patrol cars each.
The highway was closed at the scene to all traffic for approximately four hours. Motorists were rerouted to Reeves Creek Road on the south and Lakeshore Drive on the north.
OSP said that a Mitsubishi 3000 two-door driven by Breeze was southbound on 199 between mileposts 23 and 24 when, for unknown reasons, it crossed onto the northbound lane. It crashed head-on with a 2005 Kia Amanti driven by Calkins, OSP said. There appeared to be no skid marks on the road.
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The Kia’s right-front passenger, Tracy Jackson, 13, grandson of Mrs. Calkins, from Medford, was transported by AMR to Three Rivers Community Hospital in Grants Pass. He has been released.
The right-rear passenger, Geraldo Rodriguez, 12, Tracy’s friend from Medford, was seriously injured. He was taken by a Mercy Flights air ambulance to Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford. A family friend said that he was released Monday, June 23 and was recovering at home.
The medical evacuation helicopter landed on the highway a short distance north of the accident. IVFD units were used to block off the area utilized as a landing zone.
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Breeze apparently was ejected from his vehicle in the crash. He was found near the front of his car, and down an embankment. The car driven by Calkins was taken to a car wrecking site in Cave Junction, where she was extricated.
Although the road was reopened at approximately 11 p.m., emergency personnel were at the scene until around 12:30 a.m. Monday, June 23.
OSP troopers from the Grants Pass and Central Point offices are continuing the investigation. One Illinois Valley resident at the scene, who was southbound when the crash occurred in front of him, said that he saw the Mitsubishi veer left immediately prior to the accident.
Besides IVFD, AMR, OSP, Mercy Flights and JCSO, assistance at the scene or in connection with the investigation was provided by ODOT, Josephine County District Attorney’s Office, Medford Police Dept., and State Medical Examiner’s Office, OSP reported.
