New Information Released in Fatal Crash Tuesday Near Eugene

Investigators Confirm Driver Involved Fatal Traffic Crash - Highway 99 north of Eugene Oregon State Police troopers say an ongoing investigation with the Lane County District Attorney's Office,

Photos of crash scene Tuesday night: Oregon State Police

(EUGENE, Ore.) - Police say an investigation into a fatal crash Tuesday near Eugene, has revealed that initial information released was not correct. Oregon State Police say the driver at fault in Tuesday evening's head-on crash was actually the person initially thought to be the passenger. He has been identified as 41-year old Eduardo Gutierrez of Eugene.

Investigators initially identified 29-year old Rodriguez Ebigael Sanchez of Eugene, as the driver but follow-up investigation and interviews with both men and emergency responders led to this determination.

According to Oregon State Police Sergeant Ron Martin says the crash happened at 6:43 PM Tuesday, as a 1988 Dodge pickup driven by Mr. Gutierrez was northbound on Highway 99 near Aubrey Lane.

According to witnesses the Dodge pickup failed to negotiate a right hand curve, continued through the center divider and into the southbound lanes where it crashed head-on with a 1988 Honda two door car.

The Honda's operator, 23-year old Justin Daniel Dougherty of Eugene, was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Justin Dougherty was using safety restraints.

Sanchez and Gutierrez were transported to Sacred Heart Hospital with serious injuries. Gutierrez reportedly has a valid drivers license. Both men are still hospitalized.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Springfield Area Command are continuing the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Highway 99 was partially closed for approximately 4 1/2 hours. ODOT, Lane County Sheriff's Office, Lane Rural Fire, and Eugene EMS assisted at the scene.