Oregon State Police is continuing the investigation into Wednesday morning's single vehicle traffic crash along the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 south of Myrtle Creek. The crash resulted in the death of a 16-year old female passenger and non-life threatening injuries to the 17-year old female driver. The names are being released at this time after confirmation that families completed their notifications.
Preliminary information according to Lieutenant Doug Ladd indicates the crash occurred December 14, 2011 at approximately 7:50 a.m. when a 1996 Honda Accord two-door driven by Paige Williams, age 17, from Myrtle Creek, was southbound near milepost 106 when, for an undetermined reason, it left the roadway and rolled. The car came to rest on its top in a field next to the freeway.
Williams was transported by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center. She is a student at South Umpqua High School.
Passenger Megan Phariss, age 16, from Myrtle Creek, was pronounced deceased at the scene. She attended Riddle Charter School.
Both were using safety restraints.
OSP troopers, including a Collision Reconstructionist, from the Roseburg Area Command office are on scene investigating the cause of the crash.
Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Tri-City Rural Fire District, and ODOT are assisting at the scene. The right southbound lane was closed but traffic is getting through the area.
