OSP IDs two people killed in crash on snowy Hwy. 22

(Update: Details of crash from OSP)

Two people were killed in a crash late Sunday afternoon on state Highway 22E about six miles west of Santiam Junction, Oregon State Police said.

Troopers responded around 4:35 p.m. to the two-vehicle crash at milepost 76, OSP Lt. Cari Boyd said.

A preliminary investigation found that a black 2017 Nissan Armada driven by Joshua Lyons, 34, of Portland, was heading east when he attempted to pass in a passing lane on the snow-covered roadway, Boyd said.

The SUV lost traction and slid sideways, striking the front of a westbound silver Chevy Silverado driven by Alan Freeman, 54, of Salem, that was pulling an enclosed trailer.

Lyons and his passenger, Timothy Hays, 47, of Silverton, died at the scene, Boyd said.

One of Freeman’s three passengers, Donald Suklis, 56, of Jefferson, was taken to St. Charles Bend, where hospital officials said he was treated for his injuries and released. Freeman and his two other passengers, one a juvenile, were taken to Salem Hospital, where they also were treated for minor injuries and released.

The crash and investigation closed the westbound lane of Highway 22 for five hours, Boyd said. OSP was assisted at the scene by ODOT and the Gates Fire Department.

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