Fatal Oregon Car Crash on Highway 35 Claims Man’s Life

Date: January 21, 2011
Location: Highway 35 South of Parkdale
Names: Robert Steven Cupit, Fred E. Jorgensen

Oregon State Police are still investigating the death of a Parkdale-area man in a fatal traffic crash on Highway 35 north of Bennett Pass.

The Beaver Journal reports that at about 5:55pm Fred E. Jorgensen, age 63 of Husum, Washington, was driving a 2003 Kenworth truck pulling a dump trailer northbound on Highway 35 near milepost 77. Coming around a curve, Jorgensen found himself being approached head-on in his lane of traffic by a 1996 Honda Accord driven southbound by Robert Steven Cupit, age 63 of Parkdale.

Jorgensen attempted to avoid the oncoming car by steering to the left, but the Honda crashed into a wheel axle on the right side of the dump trailer, tearing away the car’s passenger side before stopping.

Jorgensen was using safety restraints and was uninjured. Cupit, who was not using safety restraints, was pronounced dead at the scene.

We are saddened by this tragic accident and extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Cupit. Our thoughts are with them as they mourn his death. We also hope that Mr. Jorgensen will recover fully from this serious accident.

Many traffic crashes are difficult to explain and when death or injury is involved, it is important to contact a qualified Portland personal injury attorney. Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation; what appears to be obvious following an accident may not be what really caused a crash. We provide information on finding a good personal injury lawyer, and if you have questions after a car crash, please contact us.