Man Dies in Single-Car Crash on Highway 99W North of McMinnville

State troopers say the crash was reported at approximately 9:55 PM.

Photo courtesy: Senior Trooper Roger Reid/Oregon State Police

(MCMINNVILLE, Ore.) - Police say a 21-year old man died Thursday night when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a power pole about two miles north of McMinnville on Highway 99W.

State troopers say the crash was reported at approximately 9:55 PM.

They say the 2006 Chevrolet four door driven by 21-year Kristopher Lawrence Becker, was southbound on Highway 99W near milepost 33 when it swerved off of the roadway and struck two power poles on the driver's side. Police say they do not know what caused the crash, although alcohol is being investigated as a possible factor. Mr. Becker was using safety restraints and was pronounced deceased at the scene. His car's airbags deployed. Oregon State Police troopers from the McMinnville Area Command office are completing the investigation. Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, ODOT and local fire departments assisted at the scene. One lane was blocked for about 3 hours during the investigation.