Salem woman dies in Highway 22 crash in Polk County

A 41-year-old Salem woman died Tuesday evening following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 22 in Polk County, Oregon State Police said Wednesday.

A preliminary investigation of the crash reported at 6:17 p.m. determined an eastbound Chrysler Sebring operated by Mary Louise Nathe, 73, of Salem, attempted to turn left onto Oak Grove Road N and crossed the path of a westbound Ford Expedition.

A passenger in the Chrysler, Amanda Rose Nathe, was declared dead at the scene, OSP said. The driver was seriously injured and taken to a hospital. The driver of the Ford sustained minor injuries.

An unsafe turn is reported as the primary cause of the crash, according to OSP.

The westbound lanes of the highway were closed at the intersection with the Independence Highway for about five hours during the investigation. Dallas Fire, Polk County Fire and the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted OSP.

Isabel Funk covers breaking news and public safety for the Statesman Journal. Funk can be reached at ifunk@statesmanjournal.com or on X at @isabeldfunk

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem woman dies in Highway 22 crash in Polk County