Gold Beach man dies in crash south of Port Orford
Press release courtesy Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into an early Tuesday morning single vehicle fatal traffic crash on Highway 101 about seven miles south of Port Orford.
According to OSP Sergeant Scott Punch, on December 1, 2009 at approximately 12:51 a.m. a 1999 Ford Ranger pickup driven by FRANKLIN THOMAS, age 46, from Gold Beach, was southbound on Highway 101 near milepost 308. After negotiating a sharp right curve, the pickup traveled off the west shoulder and rolled.
THOMAS was not using safety restraints and was ejected. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Highway 101 was closed at the scene for about two hours.
OSP troopers from the Gold Beach office are continuing the investigation. Alcohol is a possible contributing factor.
ODOT, Cal-Or Ambulance, Port Orford Fire Department and Curry County Sheriff's Office assisted at the scene.
