On Thursday, December 2, 2021, at approximately 5:56 PM Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle head-on crash on Hwy 22W near milepost 17. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Toyota Avalon, operated by James Marvin Dougherty (83) of Salem, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes and collided head-on with an eastbound Honda Element, operated by Samuel James Clark (50) of Salem. 

Clark and Dougherty were both transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Dougherty was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. 

Eastbound lanes of Hwy 22W were closed for approximately 3 hours. 

OSP was assisted by Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas Fire and Medics and ODOT.