Log truck driver dies in crash near Monmouth

A log truck operator was killed and another driver seriously injured south of Monmouth Thursday morning when a pickup truck’s driver pulled onto Highway 99W, Oregon State Police reported.

Troopers and emergency personnel responded shortly before 7 a.m. to the two-vehicle crash, OSP Captain Tim Fox said.

A preliminary investigation found that Taylor Boquist, 23, of Cove,, was heading east on Parker Road and pulled onto the highway when his pickup was struck by a southbound 2002 Kenworth log truck., whose driver died at the scene.

The log truck driver’s name was withheld pending notification of family members.

Boquist was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The crash and investigation closed Highway 99W for several hours, but a detour was in place.

OSP was assisted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police, ODOT, Polk County Public Works and Polk County Fire, Fox said..