The Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 99E near milepost 32 in Lane County at about 8:30 a.m. on Friday, March 31.
The preliminary investigation indicated a white GMC Sierra operated by Kenneth Clair Tish, 53, of Yoncalla, was traveling southbound when for unknown reasons it crossed the center lane line and struck a northbound blue Jeep Cherokee operated by Nicholas Aaron Tyree, 40, of Lebanon, head-on. Tish was transported via ambulance to the Riverbend Hospital. Tyree was pronounced deceased on scene by responding fire/medic personnel.
The roadway was closed for approximately 4.5 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted. The cause of the crash is under investigation and will be referred to the Lane County District Attorney’s Office.
OSP was assisted by the Lane County District Attorney’s Office, the Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office, Junction City Fire and ODOT.