Carlton man dies unsafely turning on to Highway 47

A Carlton man died at the scene of a two-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon, July 3, in rural Washington County.

Oregon State Police reported that Elvis Jay Harden, 81, was on Spring Hill Road, south of Forest Grove, when he attempted to make a left turn onto Highway 47. Harden turned into the path of a 41-year-old driver from Corvallis, and who struck Harden's vehicle on the driver's side door.

Authorities say Harden was declared dead at the scene. In the other vehicle, the driver, the adult passenger and two infant passengers were transported to a hospital for minor injuries.

A portion of the highway was closed from about 3:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday for an investigation. OSP determined the cause of the crash was an unsafe turn onto the highway.

OSP was assisted by Forest Grove Fire & Rescue, the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation.