Crash Into Tree Across Highway 211 South of Estacada Critically Injures Man

The vehicle struck the tree and it traveled through the windshield hitting the driver in the head and neck area.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

(ESTACADA, Ore.) - State Police troopers are continuing the investigation following Saturday morning's single-vehicle critical injury traffic crash on Highway 211 about three miles south of Estacada. An 81-year old man was critically injured after his vehicle struck a downed tree and a portion of the tree came through the front windshield.

According to OSP Recruit Kevin Ferguson, a tree was apparently blown down from the west side of Highway 211 on Saturday at approximately 10:20 a.m. near milepost 30, and came to rest off the pavement across most of the highway.

At least one person stopped in the northbound lane and reportedly was trying to get the attention of drivers approaching the area.

A southbound 1985 Chevrolet El Camino driven by 81-year old William Fredrick Walling of Lebanon, Oregon failed to stop for the downed tree, possibly due to sunlight affecting the driver's view.

The vehicle struck the tree and it traveled through the windshield hitting the driver in the head and neck area.

The impact caused the tree to snap in two and the vehicle stopped a short distance after hitting the tree.

Mr. Walling, who was the lone occupant, was transported by Life Flight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. He was using safety restraints.

OSP troopers from the Portland Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Estacada Fire Department, and ODOT assisted at the scene.

The highway was closed for about 1 1/2 hours.