Willamina Man Dies in Crash on Highway 18 West of McMinnville

Police say the driver tried to correct his error and steer back onto the highway when he lost control causing the pickup to roll.

Photos of crash scene: Oregon State Police

(McMINNVILLE, Ore.) - Police say a 70-year old Willamina man died this afternoon when the pickup he was driving lost control on Highway 18 about sixteen miles west of McMinnville.

The name of Paul Frederick Boehler, the gentleman who died in the crash, was released tonight.

According to Oregon State Police Sergeant Brad Hessel, today at approximately 12:35 p.m., Mr. Boehler was operating a 1987 Ford F250 pickup eastbound on Highway 18 near milepost 25 attempting to negotiate a left curve when the vehicle drifted off onto the shoulder.

"The victim tried to correct his error and steer back onto the highway when he lost control causing the pickup to roll," Hessel said.

"The victim was not using safety restraints and was partially ejected. He was pronounced deceased at the scene."

Hessel says OSP troopers from the McMinnville Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office, West Valley Fire Department and ODOT assisted at the scene.

Traffic was limited to one lane for about 2 1/2 hours.