Driver charged after head-on RV crash kills 2
By KVAL.com staffCRESWELL, Ore. -- Police arrested the driver of an RV that crossed into oncoming traffic on Interstate 5 last Wednesday and hit a car head-on, killing a passenger in the RV and a 5-year-old Springfield girl in the car.
On Wednesday, June 17, 2009, Oregon State Police troopers from the Springfield Area Command responded to a reported head-on traffic collision on I-5 near milepost 182.
The Oldsmobile was being driven by Cathleen Coontz, 35, of Springfield, Ore. In addition to Cathleen Coontz her husband Brian Coontz, 35, and daughter Kailee Coontz, 5. Both Cathleen and Brian Coontz were treated and release with minor injuries from Sacred Heart RiverBend Hospital in Springfield. Both were wearing seatbelts.
A passenger in Whitaker's motor home was transported by air ambulance to RiverBend Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. This person's next of kin have not been located. Police have not released his name. Whitaker was taken to River Bend Hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. He was arrested upon release from the hospital. |
Upload directly from your mobile device. Learn howYouNews
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Stay Connected |
Connect with KVALViewer PollMost Popular
|
Police arrested Stephen Whitaker, 41, of Cottage Grove, Ore., Monday upon his release from the hospital on suspicion of two counts of manslaughter, two counts Assault 3, DUII, Reckless Driving and Reckless Endangering.
Kailee Coontz (right) was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police said Kailee was properly seated in a booster seat and wearing a seatbelt.
KVAL, 4575 Blanton Road,