WASHINGTON COUNTY, OR - The Oregon State Police reports that on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 3:15 p.m., OSP responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-47, at the intersection with Spring Hill Rd. (milepost 22), in Washington County.
The preliminary investigation indicated an Audi Q5, operated by Elvis Jay Harden (81) of Carlton, was on Spring Hill Rd at the stop sign facing westbound and began to make a left hand turn onto Hwy-47 southbound. The Audi entered the path of a northbound Mazda CX5, operated by Derek J. Ellis (41) of Corvallis, and was struck on the driver's side door.
An Oregon State Police Sergeant was approaching the intersection at the time of the crash and immediately rendered aid to the operator of the Audi.
The operator of the Audi (Harden), who was not wearing a seatbelt, was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Mazda (Ellis) and passengers, Gemmy Wales Cadigan (40); a 2 year old male; and a 4 month old female, suffered minor injuries and were transported for medical treatment.
The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash was an unsafe turn onto the highway.
OSP was assisted by Forest Grove Fire, Washington County Sheriffs' Office, and ODOT.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon
