03/29/2015 — According to Sgt. Berland of the Oregon State Police, on March 28th, 2015 at 10:26 am, Troopers from the Springfield Area Command responded to a two vehicle fatal crash on SR Highway 58 near milepost (MP) 45 east of Oakridge.
The investigation revealed a gold 1999 Honda Accord was traveling westbound and for unknown reasons crossed over into the eastbound lane of travel, colliding with a white 2014 Honda Accord.
After impact, the gold honda went down an embankment and came to rest on the passenger side against trees. The white 2014 Honda Accord was occupied and driven by 73-year-old Charles Kuykendall and accompanied by his spouse, 74-year-old passenger, Patricia Kuykendall both from Gig Harbor, Washington.
Mrs. Kuykendall was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel.
Mr. Kuykendall was transported to the Peacehealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend in Springfield with minor injuries.
The gold 1999 Honda Accord was occupied and driven by 36-year-old Billroy Durham and accompanied by his spouse, 38-year-old Tuesday Durham from Phoenix, Arizona.
Mrs. Durham was transported by Lifeflight and Mr. Durham was transported via ambulance to the Peacehealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend also for serious injuries.
Mr. and Mrs. Kuykendall were restrained with seatbelts and Mr. and Mrs. Durham were both not wearing seatbelts. Airbags deployed in both vehicles. One lane of Hwy 58 was closed for approximately 2 hours. OSP-Springfield and Oakridge Troopers were assisted by ODOT, Oakridge Fire & Rescue, Life-Flight, Lane County District Attorney’s Office, and Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Trooper Duren is the lead investigator.
Durham is being treated for his injuries; however as a result of the investigation, Mr. Durham is expected to be charged with Manslaughter in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, Reckless Driving, and DUII- Controlled Substances.