According to Oregon State Police, on 11/25/2015 at about 1:06 AM the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of a single vehicle crash on Washburn Lane west of Junction City. Upon arriving, they found a male passenger deceased. The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit responded to assist with the investigation.
Preliminary information indicates a 2016 Dodge Charger was traveling on Washburn Lane when the driver left the roadway and struck a power pole. The passenger, William T BARNETT, age 29, of Junction City was pronounced deceased on scene.
The driver, later identified as Lee W VOLGARDSEN, age 41, of Eugene, fled the scene on foot before emergency vehicles arrived. He was later located and his residence. VOLGARDSEN was taken into custody and transported to the Lane County Jail where he was charged with Manslaughter in the Second Degree.
Alcohol use is being considered a contributing factor. Police say that this is an ongoing investigation more information will be released when it becomes available.