Crash Near Dayton Claims Three Lives

The multi-injury crash closed Dayton-Salem Hwy (221) for over four hours.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(DAYTON, Ore.) - At about 11:50 a.m. today, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle collision on Hwy 221 (Wallace Rd), nine miles south of Dayton.

Preliminary investigation revealed a gray 2004 Volkswagen Passat, operated by 33-year old Krista Ashley, of Salem, was northbound on Hwy 221 going toward Dayton when, for unknown reasons, she crossed into the southbound lane striking a black 2019 Chevy Cruz, operated by 69-year old Susie Valdez of Salem.

Several ambulances were deployed. Extrication was needed and four patients were transported to hospitals.

Valdez and her passenger, 70-year old Robert Valdez of Salem both sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased.

Krista Ashley was transported to Salem Hospital with serious injuries.

There were three passengers in Ashley’s vehicle. 28-year old Daniel Norris of Salem was transported to Salem Hospital with serious injuries.

A juvenile female sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at Salem Hospital. Another juvenile female was transported to Portland for internal injuries.

The Dayton-Salem Hwy (221) was closed for approximately 4.5 hours. Wallace Road in the area of the crash was closed and southbound traffic was detoured onto Lafayette Highway. Northbound traffic was being diverted onto Hopewell Road.

Oregon State Police was assisted by the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, Dayton Fire, and ODOT. This investigation is continuing.

Source: Oregon State Police; others