Crash kills passenger; police charge driver

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Story Published: Jul 4, 2008 at 8:41 AM PST

By KVAL Web Staff

HARRISBURG, Ore. - A Marcola man died Thursday night after being thrown from a pickup truck in a crash near Harrisburg. Police charged the driver with driving under the influence, manslaughter and reckless driving.

According to the Linn County Sheriff's Office, a 2004 Ford pickup driven by Casey Douglas Kelley, 23, of Harrisburg left the road in a tight turn and rolled several times in a grass field on Priceboro Driver near Sommerville Loop southeast of Harrisburg sometime around 9:45 p.m. Thursday.

Kelley's passenger, Rustan James Johnston of Marcola, was not wearing a seat belt. He was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.

Kelley received minor injuries during the crash and was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene for evaluation.

The sheriff's office believes alcohol and excessive speed were factors in the crash.
After being released from the hospital, Kelley was arrested and lodged in the Linn County Jail. His bail is set at $59,100.

Priceboro Drive was closed for 4 ½ hours during the investigation.

Huston-Jost Funeral Home of Lebanon transported the deceased pending further arrangements.

The investigation continues into the cause of the crash.

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