Fatal wreck at Leaburg Lake

LEABURG: A two-vehicle crash on Monday near Milepost 24 of the McKenzie Hwy. took the life of a California man.

According to the Oregon State Police (OSP), their preliminary investigation indicated that around 12:20 p.m., an eastbound Dodge Ram 3500, operated by Colton Lane Wellette (20) of Monroe, was pulling a gooseneck trailer loaded with bales of hydroseed. As the Dodge negotiated the curve around Leaburg Lake, the trailer overturned, spilling the load into the westbound lane. A westbound Toyota Corolla, operated by 37-year-old Sierra Marie Evers-Hellmich of Eugene, collided with the debris from the over-turned trailer, causing significant damage to the Toyota.

A passenger in the Toyota, Kurt Allen Hellmich (71) of Arcata (CA), was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Toyota reported minor injuries. Another passenger in the vehicle, Lynn Evers (76) of Aracata, suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The traffic highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. Congestion continued to cause delays. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the McKenzie Fire District, the Lane County Sheriff's Office, and the Oregon Dept. of Transportation.