Man Dies in Single Vehicle Crash

EAGLE POINT, Ore. – An Eagle Point man died Saturday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash.  Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies say alcohol use may have contributed to the crash. 

On October 26, 2019, at 3:28 p.m., dispatch received a 911 call from a witness reporting a crash at the intersection of Bigham Brown Road and Antelope Road.  The caller reported a car had rolled into a pasture; its single occupant was trapped inside. 

Deputies responded to the scene, along with personnel from Fire District 3 and Mercy Flights.  The driver, William Leroy Atwood, 78, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Deputies determined Atwood was driving a 2011 Subaru Outback southbound on Bigham Brown Road.  Atwood did not slow adequately for the 90-degree right curve at the intersection with Antelope Road.  The vehicle left the roadway at a high rate of speed and rolled into a pasture.  Deputies obtained information that Atwood had been drinking alcohol prior to the crash. 

An investigator with the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene.  Toxicology tests will be conducted to confirm whether intoxicants contributed to the incident.

A dog in the vehicle was apparently not injured.  Jackson County Animal Control assisted with returning the dog to a family member. 

The investigation is ongoing.  No further information is available for release at this time. 

Case #19-22658

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