News
Two recent fatalities in Douglas County due to vehicular accidents emphasize the critical need for road safety and adherence to traffic regulations.
This update summarizes the reported event and explains the practical legal context Oregon readers may want to understand. It is general information, not case-specific legal advice.
Published June 6, 2024
Douglas County, Oregon | June 7, 2024 - The tranquil roads of Douglas County were the scenes of two separate and deadly incidents last week, underscoring the perpetual need for vigilance and adherence to road safety measures by all road users in Oregon.
On the night of June 6, 2024, a grave incident occurred on Interstate 5 near milepost 108. A pedestrian, identified as 74-year-old William Nailus Baird from Myrtle Creek, tragically lost his life when he was struck by a northbound Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle. Despite the driver's efforts to avoid the collision, the accident could not be averted. The highway was closed for approximately three hours during the investigation, with assistance from Oregon State Police, Myrtle Creek PD, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT. This unfortunate event highlights the dangers pedestrians face, especially on fast-moving highways and emphasizes the importance of pedestrian accident injury awareness and legal support.
In a separate but equally tragic event on June 9, 2024, a Ford F150 operated by 24-year-old Jason Michael Ettenberger of Portland veered off the road on Hwy-230 near milepost 10. The vehicle overcorrected, rolled several times down an embankment, and came to a halt on its passenger side. The passenger, 31-year-old Austin Cordell Belford of Eagle Point, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver sustained injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital. The investigation pointed to excessive speed and the lack of seatbelt use as the primary causes of the crash, which had the highway closed for about 4.5 hours. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for seatbelt use and speed regulation, potentially leading to car accident injury claims and discussions on negligence.
Both incidents are potent reminders of the unpredictable nature of road travel and the importance of legal preparedness. At Pacific Injury Law Firm, we advocate for the enforcement of traffic laws and the rights of accident victims. If you or a loved one has been affected by a similar incident, consider reaching out for a free consultation to explore your legal options.
For more information or to discuss a potential claim, please visit our contact page at Pacific Injury Law Firm Contact or call us at 971-277-3811.
Source reporting used to prepare this update and preserve citation transparency.
Insurance calls, medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty tend to arrive at the same time. The first job is to steady the situation: understand the facts, preserve useful records, and talk through the legal options that fit your Oregon injury claim.
“... I was referred to Adam who was able to take my case and quickly get it resolved for more than I expected. I was very pleasantly surprised by his attention to detail and tenacious negotiating tactics... Adam handled everything to make sure I received the maximum compensation for my injuries. If you need a good personal injury lawyer you just found one.”
Jim West
Tenacious Negotiating Tactics
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case outcomes are shared only when they can be presented accurately and with the right context.
Information submitted through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation is confirmed only in writing.
Photo: KATU
July 27, 2026
July 18, 2026: Police say multiple food carts at The Lot Highway 99 were broken into during the early morning hours of July 13. Vendors reported damaged doors, stolen items, and repair bills after the overnight burglaries.
Learn morePhoto: KATU
July 27, 2026
July 20, 2026: Portland police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash Sunday night on the Northeast 33rd Avenue overpass above Northeast Columbia Boulevard. Paramedics pronounced the rider dead at the scene, and investigators are asking for witness information.
Learn morePhoto: KATU
July 27, 2026
July 20, 2026: Oregon State Police say a 54-year-old Eagle Point man died Saturday after his motorcycle left Highway 140 near milepost 6 and hit a guardrail in Jackson County. Witnesses told troopers the bike was traveling at high speed before the crash.
Learn moreInjured in Oregon?
Call or send the basics
