Editor’s note: This report is based on information submitted by the Oregon State Police. All crashes with fatalities may not be included. The status of incidents might change after further investigation.
SATURDAY, FEB. 14
• 12:56 a.m. — Troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 167 south of Cottage Grove that took the life of Leyla Ann Ayers, 24, of Cottage Grove. OSP’s preliminary investigation indicated that Ayers was driving a southbound Honda Odyssey near Cottage Grove when it left the right shoulder of the roadway for unknown reasons. The vehicle struck the roadside embankment and overturned, ejecting Ayers. The vehicle came to an uncontrolled stop, partially blocking the highway. Ayers was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. On Feb. 17, OSP was notified by hospital staff that Ayers had died from injuries sustained during the crash. OSP said alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18
• 6:09 a.m. — Troopers responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 101 near Lakeside in Coos County that took the life of James Ervin Bramhall, 64, of Lakeside. OSP’s preliminary investigation indicated that a northbound Ford F-150 towing a flatbed trailer driven by a 30-year-old St. George, Utah, man was traveling near Lakeside when it struck black ice. The driver lost control, struck the guardrail, crossed into the southbound lane and collided with Bramhall’s southbound Chevy Tracker. A blue Dodge 1500 pickup driven by a 24-year-old Coos Bay man then rear-ended the flatbed, also due to black ice on the roadway. Bramhall was declared deceased at the scene. The Ford’s driver had minor injuries.