High Speed Crash near Jefferson Kills One, Injures Two Others

Deputies determined that the occupants were wearing seatbelts, but the driver's airbag was still intact in the steering wheel, which was part of the front section of the car that separated on impact.

Photos by TST Deputy Casey Burnham

(JEFFERSON, OR) - One man died and two were injured in a motor vehicle crash on Valley View Road SE near Jefferson last night.

Marion County Deputies Mark Ferron and Casey Burnham were called to the scene at about 8:45pm. Upon arrival, they found a 1995 black Honda Civic broken into two pieces that were over 100' apart. The entire front end of the car, including the motor, fenders, windshield, dashboard, suspension and frame had separated from the remaining passenger compartment.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the car was travelling eastbound on Valley View Road SE from Duck Flat Road SE at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control, left the roadway and struck a power pole. The driver was deceased at the scene. He is identified as Nicolas J. Jolly, 19, from Jefferson.

The passengers in the car were identified as Douglass Curtiss, 19, from Turner and Juan Barrera, 19 from Jefferson. Curtiss was treated for minor injuries, but Barrera was admitted to Salem Hospital with serious injuries.

Deputies determined that the occupants were wearing seatbelts, but the driver's airbag was still intact in the steering wheel, which was part of the front section of the car that separated on impact.

Both passengers told deputies that they had decided to go for a joyride on Valley View Road. They referred to the road as "roller coaster hill" because the road is primarily comprised of major hills and valleys. Both passengers estimated Jolly was going between 90-100 mph when he "caught air" on one of the hills, lost control and struck the power pole. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Pacific Power responded to address the downed power pole. It's not known if there was a loss of electricity to local residents.

Marion County Sergeant Nick Hunter and Chaplain, Bob Thomas from the Crisis Chaplaincy Services in Salem made the family notifications.

Source: Marion County Sheriff news release