Two Dead After Head-On Crash Near Stayton

Alcohol is being investigated as a possible contributing factor.

Photographs - Oregon State Police

(STAYTON OR) - Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into the cause of Tuesday evening's double fatal traffic crash involving two vehicles on Highway 22 near Stayton in Marion County. Two others were seriously injured in the crash.

On August 13, 2013 at approximately 7:00 p.m., a 2003 Dodge Durango driven by 18-year old Erin Long, from Jefferson, was eastbound on Highway 22 near milepost 16 when a westbound 2008 Kia Spectra driven by 27-year old Nicholas Baker, from Salem, crossed the centerline and both vehicles collided head-on in the eastbound lane.

Baker and his female passenger, 20-year old Deza Rae Byro, from Salem, were both pronounced deceased at the scene.

Long and passenger 19-year old Chelsie Anna Merrie Neeper, from Aumsville, were seriously injured and transported by ground ambulance to Santiam Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

OSP troopers from the Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Alcohol is being investigated as a possible contributing factor.

All occupants are believed to have been using safety restraints.

OSP was assisted at the scene by Marion County Sheriff's Office, Stayton Police Department, Stayton Fire District, Sublimity Fire District, Marion County Medical Examiner, and ODOT. The highway was closed with a detour in place for about 3 hours.