Arcata Man Dies in Oregon Crash

Fatality FeaturePress release from the Oregon State Police:

On Monday, October 14, 2024, at 12:21 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 126E, near milepost 24, in Lane County.

The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Dodge Ram 3500, operated by Colton Lane Wellette (20) of Monroe, was pulling a gooseneck trailer loaded with bales of hydroseed. As the Dodge was negotiating a curve the trailer overturned spilling the load into the westbound lane. A westbound Toyota Corolla, operated by Sierra Marie Evers-Hellmich (37) of Eugene, collided with the debris from the over-turned trailer causing significant damage to the Toyota.

A passenger in the Toyota, Kurt Allen Hellmich (71) of Arcata (CA), was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Toyota (Evers-Hellmich) suffered reported minor injuries. Another passenger in the Toyota, Lynn Evers (76) of Aracata (CA), suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Leaburg Fire Department, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT.

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Lou Lou
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Lou Lou
1 year ago

This is so tragic for the entire family who many people knew in Arcata. Kurt was known for over the years selling wood chimes and cutting boards at craft fairs and Lynn has a background in real estate and working at the Garden Gate. Sierra and her brother, Jason, attended JCS and AHS. Heartfelt prayers for Lynn to heal from her injuries and to all for the loss of Kurt.

Truth Be Told
Member
Truth Be Told
1 year ago
Reply to  Lou Lou

A cruel reminder of how quickly our lives can change or be taken from us – even more tragic when we’re not the cause.

Tall Trees
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Tall Trees
1 year ago
Reply to  Lou Lou

This is so sad. Let us hope for a complete recovery for Lynn and Sierra. Thank you, Lou Lou, for telling us more about these good people.

Say Goodbye to Hollywood
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Say Goodbye to Hollywood
1 year ago

Condolences for the families.

Martin
Guest
Martin
1 year ago

I am so very sorry that a passenger in the Toyota, Mr. Kurt Allen Hellmich from Arcata was pronounced deceased at the scene. My most sincere condolences to Mr. Hellmich’s family and friends. May he RIP. I pray that Evers-Hellmich and Lynn Evers will heal quickly from their injuries and be fine again. In the blink of an eye their whole world was turned upside down. I don’t know what caused the accident, but I also feel very sorry for the driver of the Dodge Ram 3500 Mr. Colton Lane Wellete who was responsible for the crash. A memory that will haunt him for a very long time. Thank you to all the first responders who work that sad scene. God bless you.