A routine Tuesday afternoon in Huntington turned tragic when a 77-year-old local man died after his pickup left West Washington Street near West 2nd Street and slammed into a tree, authorities said. Medics worked to revive him at the scene, but he was pronounced dead before he could be taken from the crash site.
Crash details
According to the Baker County Sheriff's Office press log, a call reporting a motor-vehicle accident at W Washington St and W 2nd St came in at 2:59 p.m. The log notes that Sgt. Craig Rilee located the scene. Dispatch entries classify the incident as a motor-vehicle accident that resulted in a death and list Pioneer Ambulance and the Huntington Fire Department among the first crews on scene.
What officials reported
Local reporting, citing a sheriff's release, identified the driver as John Marvin Whitmire, 77, and stated that the vehicle involved was a 1997 Ford F250. The release notes Whitmire had visible injuries to his face and hand and that Life Flight also assisted at the scene. As reported by Elkhorn Media Group, medics initiated life-saving measures, but Whitmire's condition worsened and he died from his injuries at the scene.
Investigation
The sheriff's release states that investigators determined the pickup left the roadway and struck a tree. Officials have not said what caused the vehicle to leave the road.
The Baker County Sheriff's Office lists its public phone line on its website for anyone with information, and the agency continues to investigate the crash. This story will be updated if authorities release additional details.
