PRESS RELEASE

Incident: Fatal Crash

Location: Intersection of Corvallis Road and Parker Road

Time: Approximately 10:52 A.M.

Date: 7/28/2021

On Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at approximately 10:52 A.M. Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office along with fire and medical personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Corvallis Road and Parker Road a few miles south of Independence.  

The preliminary investigation revealed a 1980 International 9400 semi, operated by Rollin Knight (85) of Sweet Home, was northbound on Corvallis Road when it attempted to turn westbound onto Parker Road. A Toyota Tundra, operated by Joseph Eby (50) of Monmouth, traveling southbound struck the involved semi as it negotiated the turn westbound onto Parker Road.

Eby, the operator of the Toyota Tundra, was transported by a life flight helicopter and later while at the Salem hospital succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the crash.  The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is still actively investigating the incident. 

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office was assisted during this incident by the Oregon State Police, Polk County Fire District, Polk County Public Works, Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.