Serious Crash Shuts Down I-5 at Ankney Hill

Editor Note: Since the filing of this report, the driver of the Camry has unfortunately passed away.

Photo: OSP

(SALEM) - A 22-year old Grants Pass man was seriously injured Wednesday morning after losing control of his car southbound on Interstate 5 near Ankeny Hill interchange where he was struck broadside by another vehicle. The crash led to the closure of southbound lanes for about one hour, and one of the involved drivers credits safety belts for saving his life. On November 22nd, at about 11:40 AM, a 1994 Toyota Camry driven by 22-year old Logan L. Will, from Grants Pass, was southbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 243 when he lost control causing the car to spin around. The Toyota was struck in the driver's side by a southbound 1989 Mercury four-door driven by 80-year old Melvin Benedict from Kalama, Washington. Will was using safety restraints and his car's airbags deployed. He was seriously injured and eventually transported by REACH air ambulance helicopter to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis. Benedict was using safety restraints and was not injured. He told state troopers, "The seatbelt saved my life". His passenger/wife, 65-year old Ester Benedict, received non-life threatening injuries and was transported by ambulance to an unknown area hospital for treatment. She was also using safety restraints. Oregon State Police troopers from Albany and Salem offices responded to the crash. Local fire personnel and ODOT assisted at the scene. Highway was diverted around the scene at the Ankeny Hill interchange. The southbound lanes were reopened about 12:40 PM. No witnesses were located at the scene. Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact Trooper Mark Davie at (503) 378-3387 ext. 252.