On Friday, October 30, 2020, at about 12:00 pm, Benton County Deputies were dispatched to West Hills Road near Bullevard Street near Philomath for a two vehicle head on crash. Based on at-scene evidence and witness statements, a 1996 Dodge pickup was traveling east on West Hills Road when, for unknown reasons, the Dodge crossed the center line into the oncoming lane of travel. The Dodge crashed into a 2005 Toyota 4Runner which was traveling west bound on West Hills Road. Both occupants of the Toyota were transported to Good Samaritan Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Dodge was deceased at the scene.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sergeant Brian Lundy at the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (541)-766-6858.
Philomath Police Department, Philomath Fire Department and Corvallis Fire Department assisted with the investigation.
1996 Dodge Dakota Pickup
Driver: Anderson Martin Burrus McDonough – Philomath Resident (26 years old) Deceased
2005 Toyota 4Runner
Driver: Suzan Ersoy Free – Philomath Resident (48 years old) serious injuries
Passenger: Natalie Free (15 years old Philomath Resident) No injuries
This is the second fatal crash in Benton County in two days.
Benton County Sheriff's Office would like to remind people to please drive safe, do not drive distracted and drive sober.
Our hearts go out to all that have been impacted by these terrible tragedies.