Driver's Arrest Related to Fatal July Traffic Crash South of Florence

The Florence man will face a second-degree Manslaughter charge.

Crash scene Photo courtesy: Oregon State Police

(FLORENCE) - Oregon State Police troopers arrested a Florence-area man Thursday for Manslaughter and DUII charges related to a July 9th two-vehicle traffic crash on Highway 101 three miles south of Florence. The other driver had been in critical condition until she passed away one week later.

53-year old Rodney L. Deris of Florence, was arrested without incident at his home. He was taken to Lane County Circuit Court for Manslaughter in the Second Degree and Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants.

Police say that on July 9th at approximately 12:40 PM, a 2005 Dodge pickup driven by Deris was southbound on Highway 101 when it drove off into a ditch on the right shoulder then came back onto the highway and crossed the centerline.

The Dodge pickup crashed nearly head-on with a northbound 1993 Honda Civic four-door driven by 47-year old Rebecca Marie Howe of southeast Portland.

Howe initially was transported to Peace Harbor Hospital in Florence, then transferred by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital where she was in critical condition until she died July 16th. She was using safety restraints.

Deris was using safety restraints and received minor injuries. He was transported to Peace Harbor Hospital where he was treated and released.

Oregon State Police troopers from Florence and Springfield conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Lane County District Attorney's Office.