I was right behind this on Tuesday. The first police officer to arrive on scene just about drove through the back of my car. I was maybe three minutes after this happened. By then they had Kathryn out of the car screaming and covered with blood and people were trying to lift the car to get out Donald. It was awful.

Fatal Traffic Crash - Highway 51 near Independence - 06/09/10
A 70-year old Independence man died Tuesday afternoon and his wife was seriously injured following a single vehicle crash on Highway 51 near Independence. Oregon State Police troopers from the Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

According to Trooper Joseph Skipper, on June 8, 2010 at approximately 4:10 p.m. a passenger car driven by KATHRYN LOUISE HUSTON, age 72, from Independence, was southbound on Highway 51 near milepost 4. The vehicle traveled over the fog line into a ditch, continuing until it flipped as it crossed a driveway and rolled. It came to rest on its top in the front yard of 3985 Highway 51 with both people trapped inside.

KATHRYN HUSTON and her passenger, DONALD HUSTON, age 70, were extricated by Polk County Fire personnel and transported to Salem Hospital by ambulance. DONALD HUSTON was pronounced deceased at the hospital and KATHRYN HUSTON was seriously injured. Both were using safety restraints and air bags deployed.

Oregon State Police troopers are continuing the investigation. Polk County Sheriff's Office and ODOT also assisted at the scene.

No photographs available for this release.