Single-Vehicle Car Crash on Highway 58 Kills Two

Date: January 22, 2011
Location: Highway 58 East of Oakridge
Names: Ellis Michael Heyer, Collin Phillip La More, Nicholas John Ries

According to KGW, Oregon State Police released the names of two young men killed in a single-car crash.

Police reports state that at approximately 7am a 1987 BMW driven by Nicholas John Ries, age 21 of Portland, was heading east on Highway 58 about 15 miles east of Oakridge when the vehicle veered off the shoulder and the BMW’s passenger side hit a large tree. Road conditions at the time were said to be foggy with patches of ice.

The two men who died were Collin Phillip LaMore, age 21 of Stockton, California who formerly lived in Tigard, and Ellis Michael Heyer, age 21 of Amherst, Massachusetts. LaMore was the front passenger and Heyer was seated in the rear. Ries was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center with serious but non-life threatening injuries. All were students at the University of Oregon.

An off-duty fire captain arrived at the scene and assisted until emergency crews arrived. The BMW caught fire about 10 minutes after impact and was extinguished once fire crews arrived.

We are so saddened by the news of this accident, where Mr. LaMore and Mr. Heyer had their lives shortened by this tragic collision. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families as they mourn their loss. We also wish Mr. Ries a complete recovery from this horrific event.

At times like this, we are reminded that winter weather is still upon us and everyone is warned to drive with caution. Reported road conditions were foggy with patches of ice. Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Transportation ask everyone to slow down, stay alert and drive carefully. You can check road conditions in the area you will be driving through by visiting www.TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1.

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. We provide information on finding a good personal injury lawyer, and if you have questions after a car crash, please feel free to contact us.