Crash Near Albany Kills Two (PHOTOS)

(ALBANY, Ore.) - Police say two people were killed Friday afternoon in a head-on crash on Highway 20 east of Albany. It happened at approximately 2:45 p.m.

State Police troopers say a 1999 Saturn 4-door, operated by 46-year old Michelle Irma Eldridge of Lebanon, was westbound on Highway 20 near milepost 9.

According to a news release, "The Saturn began to pass a vehicle and collided head-on with an eastbound 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle."

It is reported that both Michelle Eldridge and the operator of the motorcycle, 50-year old Rick Dale Stephenson of Kelso, Washinton, were deceased at the scene.

Rick Stephenson was traveling with another motorcycle rider who was following at a short distance behind and witnessed the crash. The second rider was not injured.

Michelle Eldridge was wearing safety restraints. She had reportedly recently moved to the Lebanon area from Phoenix, Arizona, police said.

The investigation is being conducted by troopers from the Oregon State Police Albany Area Command.

Troopers on the scene were assisted by the Albany Police Department, the Oregon Department of Transportation, and the Lebanon Fire Department.

The Washington State Patrol assisted with notification of next-of-kin. The highway was closed for 2 1/2 hours. Traffic was detoured by ODOT.

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old friend May 7, 2018 9:10 am (Pacific time)

I am an old friend of Michelle and her kids, from Asheville NC. Total shock when I found this. Michelle was a true friend, a great mom, and person. I am so sad I could not talk to or see her before this tragic, tragic accident for all involved. Bless you, kids. nini...in utah now.

Eliza March 31, 2012 4:04 pm (Pacific time)

God bless their families. ♥

Very Sad August 17, 2009 2:41 pm (Pacific time)

Rick was a funny, kind, humble man. I think he would have been surprised that over 800 people came to his memorial service on August 14th. There had to be 100 bikes that participated in "Rick's Ride" from Longview to the memorial serivce in Castle Rock. His brother led the procession with his wife and sons in the car following. It was the most awesome and sad experience at the same time. This man touched so many lives and it is still unbelievable that he is no longer with us. I thank God that I had the pleasure of knowing him. My life was better because of it.

Eric August 12, 2009 5:41 pm (Pacific time)

Michelle was a registered nurse and loved taking care of people and touched everyone she came in contact with, I will miss her more than anyone will ever know. I didn't know Rick, but its so sad.. he sounds like a great man.. my prayers go out to his family and friends.

Joanie Martin August 11, 2009 3:56 pm (Pacific time)

Ricky... we have made so many awesome memories and the ones with you there supporting me through some difficult times in my life... well... they will never be forgotten... Who can forget when we use to ride the motorcyle after school from my house to yours and Yvonne would get us in trouble by telling our moms! Oh well.. that never stopped us from doing it again... You have always been one of my Best Buddies and the stories we can tell, eh? Don't forget to say "How-dy!" to Andy for me!! I will miss you immensely even though we have been apart physically and gone our seperate ways... you have always remained in my heart! You will always be my supporting Best Buddy! Mark, Joe, Ramona... we will always have the memories... Bill, Estafaye, Craig... Thank you for bringing Ricky into our lives! Cindy and the boys... Ricky always did the Best he could at what ever he did... Obviously... He did great with his family, too!! My last leg of my ride yesterday from Las Vegas was for him! (I was on the back of a Harley when I got the phone call at Depot Bay) I love you all and send Hugs!

Jack August 10, 2009 8:49 pm (Pacific time)

Rick will be missed. He was a fellow class mate and in later years a fellow Bike rider also. I loved him like a brother. Rest in peace my friend......

Friend August 10, 2009 7:00 pm (Pacific time)

Although I haven't known these people in person, my heart goes out to you and your families. God bless you all.

John Corbin August 10, 2009 3:21 pm (Pacific time)

Michelle was a beaautiful soul, a devoted mother, and unfortunately lived a Tragic life. You are in a much Better Place, Michelle, and I will always cherish the memories of our freindship. You really Touched me. You are in God's hands!!

JOE August 10, 2009 8:34 am (Pacific time)

GOD BLESS ALL THE FAMILY I WAS SO LOOKING FORWARD TO OUR NEXT RIDE TOGETHER RIDE ON FOREVER BRO

Gary Swanson August 9, 2009 6:34 pm (Pacific time)

Rick was one of the best athletes to ever walk the halls of Castle Rock High School. What a loss. My heart goes out to his family.

Kelly August 9, 2009 10:41 am (Pacific time)

Rick was such an awesome person to know, he will be missed by all that knew him. My heart goes out to his amazing wife, his boys that he was very proud of and his family that I knew he loved. We are so blessed to have had Rick in our lives. He was that person that put a smile on your face every time you saw him. My prayers are with you all.

forever your son August 9, 2009 10:22 am (Pacific time)

I love you mom, and I miss you.... I'm just happy the last words I said to you were "I love you."

family August 9, 2009 10:11 am (Pacific time)

you, will be greatly missed..

Anonymous August 8, 2009 10:56 pm (Pacific time)

Our thoughts and prayers are with Rick's family, especially his wife and children. What a tragic loss this is.

R.I.P. Bro August 8, 2009 10:15 pm (Pacific time)

Rick, I will miss how you brighten the days with your humor and insights. Prayers and thoughts to both families of this terrible accident.

Hartley August 8, 2009 10:06 pm (Pacific time)

My heart breaks for this family, Rick was a good man and will missed by all who knew him. May our thoughts and prayers help comfort the family. God Bless

sad August 8, 2009 9:55 pm (Pacific time)

very sad, Michelle was a nice person and a great mother, my prayers go out to her family.

Anonymous August 8, 2009 8:39 pm (Pacific time)

Rick was a amazing person all around, he will be dearly missed.

sad August 8, 2009 3:56 pm (Pacific time)

very sad , Rick was a nice person and a family man , my prayers go out to his family.

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