On September 15, 2018 at approximately 1:10pm Oregon State Police, McMinnville PD, Yamhill Co. S.O., Amity PD, and ODOT responded to a two vehicle head on collision on HWY 18 near Milepost 48.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a silver 2001 Pontiac Grand Am driven by Joseph Hawkins (19) of Salem, with no passengers, was traveling eastbound when he crossed into the westbound lanes hitting a 2005 Subaru Legacy head on.
Hawkins sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver of the Subaru, Roger Verdier (70) of Vancouver, WA. was transported to Willamette Valley Medical Center with serious injuries.
His two passengers, Mary Verdier (59) of Vancouver,WA. and Susan Heffel (60) of McMinnville, both sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The reason Hawkins entered the oncoming lanes is unknown at this time.
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Oregon State Police and emergency personnel are on scene of a fatal vehicle crash on Hwy 18 mile post 48 - near the McMinnville airport.
Expect delays and intermittent closures in the area while the investigation continues.