Driver killed in big rig crash

MYRTLE POINT, Ore. - A truck driver died when he lost control of his rig in a curve and crashed off the highway.

Allen Hoogerhyde, 39, of Myrtle Creek was extricated from the truck by Myrtle Point Fire Department personnel and pronounced deceased at the scene.

The crash happened just before 6:30 p.m. Wednesday on Highway 42 east of Myrtle Point, Oregon State Police said.

Hoogerhyde was westbound driving a 2000 Freightliner truck pulling two loaded chip hauler semi-trailers.

The truck failed to maintain the lane of travel while negotiating a righthand curve.  The rig crossed the centerline, overturned onto its side and traveled across the highway and a portion of the exit ramp for Highway 242. 

The truck and trailers continued through a guardrail, crashing into a bridge railing before going over embankment and hitting a utility pole.

Hoogerhyde was pulled from the wreckage by Myrtle Point Fire Department personnel but was pronounced deceased at the scene.

State troopers from the Coos Bay Area Command office are continuing the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Myrtle Point Police Department, Myrtle Point Fire Department, Myrtle Point Ambulance, ODOT, Coos County Medical Examiner, Frontier Communications and Mast Brothers Towing assisted at the scene.