Tragic Collision on HWY 22 in Polk County Claims Motorcyclist's Life

Tragic Collision on HWY 22 in Polk County Claims Motorcyclist's LifePhoto byStock Image

By Kristy Tallman, September 6, 2024

POLK COUNTY, Ore. — A devastating crash on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, left a motorcyclist dead after a two-vehicle collision at the busy intersection of HWY 22 and HWY 51 in Polk County.

Just before 1 p.m., 76-year-old Michael Robert Hine Jr. of Otis attempted a left turn from HWY 51 onto HWY 22 when his Lincoln MKZ crossed into the path of an eastbound Honda motorcycle. The motorcycle, ridden by 69-year-old David Lee Sterrett of Dallas, slammed into the driver’s side door of the Lincoln, resulting in a fatal impact.

Sterrett was tragically pronounced dead on the scene. Hine Jr. and his passenger, 76-year-old Diana J. Marlin, also of Otis, suffered minor injuries and were taken for medical treatment.

The crash caused significant delays on HWY 22, with the scene closed for nearly 3.5 hours while investigators worked to determine the cause of the tragic accident. Oregon State Police, along with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County Fire, and ODOT, responded to the scene.

By Kristy Tallman, September 6, 2024
The Republic News

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