Fatal Crash at Highway 20/Highway 180

Involved names released: Edwin Sondenaa was the driver of the log truck; Michael Fetch was the driver of the F150.

CORVALLIS, Ore. – On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at approximately 3:40 p.m., Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Deputies responded to a two-vehicle single-fatality crash on Highway 20 near Blodgett, Oregon.

A Ford F150 pickup was stopped on Highway 180 waiting to turn eastbound onto Highway 20. For an unknown reason, the driver of the pickup pulled out in front of an unloaded log truck, traveling westbound on Highway 20. The driver of the log truck tried to avoid the collision with the Ford but was unable to. 

The driver of the log truck, a 36-year-old male from Siletz, was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis with minor injuries sustained in the crash. The driver of the pickup truck, a 61-year-old male from Hubbard, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

It does not appear impairment or speed were factors in the crash. 

Highway 20 was closed for approximately two hours while investigators processed the scene.

If you have additional information which may help the investigation, please contact BCSO Deputy Hesseling at erik.hesseling@bentoncountyor.gov or call 541-766-6858.

BCSO would like to thank Oregon State Police, Philomath Fire Department, Philomath Police Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation for their assistance with this incident.

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