Driver charged after head-on RV crash kills 2
CRESWELL, 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.
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.
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.
Police believe Whitaker was driving a motor home northbound on I-5 when he lost control. His motor home then crossed through the center median into the southbound lanes and collided with a southbound Oldsmobile.
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.
Kailee Coontz (right) was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police said Kailee was properly seated in a booster seat and wearing a seatbelt.
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.
