Crash robs community of 4, leaves 2 injured
EUGENE, Ore. -- Four people died, a fifth suffered life-threatening injuries and sixth was sent to the hospital by a two-car crash at the intersection of West 11th Avenue and Bertelsen Road in Eugene, Ore.
Two of four people killed were children. A third child was taken to the hospital with injuries considered to be life threatening.
The four who died and the injured child were in a silver Toyota Highlander that collided with a red Isuzu Rodeo around 9:16 p.m. Wednesday night.
Police identified the driver of the Isuzu as Matthew Ellmers, 24, of Eugene, Ore. Ellmers was taken to the hospital with what police called non life-threatening injuries.
Police identified the five victims in the Toyota after notifying next of kin. The people killed in the crash were Heather Mulgrave, 36, of Springfield, Connie Vermilyea, 34, of Springfield, her son Jaziah Vermilyea, 10, and Nima Gibba, 11, a friend of the other passengers.
Heather Mulgrave's son Jakobi Mulgrave, 10, was also in the car and was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
- Did you know the victims? Share stories or share photographs
The crash kept W. 11th closed overnight until about 7 a.m. this morning. Bertelsen Road was closed at the intersection while police investigated Thursday morning.
Police believe Ellmer was southbound on Bertelsen in the Isuzu when it collided with the Toyota Highlander eastbound on W. 11th, pushing the Highlander into a utility pole.
Police are investigating alcohol as a possible factor in the crash, according to a spokeswoman.
