Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports this morning at 0957 a.m. his deputies investigated a single vehicle fatal motor vehicle crash on Diamond Hill Drive near the intersection of Weatherford Road, east of Harrisburg.    

The driver of a white 2011 Jeep Patriot was identified as Jamie Michelle Nephew, 51 of Salem Oregon.  She was deceased upon arrival of first responders.  The passenger, Robert Earl Sims Jr, also of Salem, was unable to exit the vehicle and had to have his seatbelt cut off so that he could get out of the car.  He was transported to Riverbend Medical Center in Springfield with minor injuries.    
 
The investigation revealed Nephew drove off of the roadway, striking a culvert which caused the vehicle to go airborne for approximately 80 feet before landing back on Diamond Hill drive.  The vehicle then drove back off of the roadway and into a field.  The vehicle ultimately came to rest in the field.  Once the vehicle stopped, Nephew was able to exit the vehicle but she succumbed to her injuries in the field.  Drugs may have played a part in the crash.  
 
Linn County Deputies were assisted by members of Harrisburg and Coburg Fire Departments.   A Linn County Deputy Medical Examiner assisted with the investigation.   Aasum-Dufour Funeral Home out of Albany responded to the scene and removed the deceased.  The investigation is continuing.