Last Friday, a fatal collision occurred in Linn County. According to the Oregon State Police, the two-vehicle crash took place around 5:00 p.m. on Hwy 228 near milepost 16, resulting in one fatality and two others sustaining serious injuries.
The initial findings of the investigation suggest that a Dodge pickup, driven by 36-year-old Michael Halsell of Sweet Home, was traveling eastbound on OR-228 when it abruptly crossed over to quickly meet the westbound lane, resulting in a collision with a gray Acura SUV. The Acura was operated by Alisha Rowlett, a 44-year-old also from Sweet Home, who was declared deceased at the scene.
The passenger in the Acura SUV suffered serious injuries and was promptly transported to a local hospital. Halsell, the driver of the Dodge, also sustained serious injuries and received medical treatment at a nearby hospital. The incident forced the closure of the highway for an extended period, roughly 4.5 hours, to allow for a thorough investigation and clearing of the wreckage.
Supporting agencies, including Brownsville/Sweet Home Fire Departments, Linn County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT, were called to assist the OSP at the crash site. Additional details about the accident are still pending as the investigation continues.
