JACKSON COUNTY, OR - Oregon State Police (OSP) Report that on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 10 a.m., OSP responded to a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 38 in Jackson County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a white Toyota Corolla, operated by Susan Dale O’Connell (73) of Talent, was traveling northbound in the right lane on I-5 near milepost 38 when it abruptly slowed and turned left in front of a white Ford F-350 traveling northbound in the left lane.
The operator of the Ford, Jeffrey Scott Trouslot (49) of Klamath Falls, was unable to avoid the collision and struck the driver-side door of the Toyota. As a result of the impact, the front passenger tire of the Ford came loose and rolled northbound on I-5 striking a white Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Sergio Cervantes Valencia (44) of Turlock (CA), on the rear driver side.
Susan O’Connell was declared deceased at the scene. There were no other reported injuries.
Jackson County Fire, Mercy Flights, and the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted the Oregon State Police.
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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.