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On Saturday, April 30th, 2022 at approximately 5:35 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision on Highway 20 near milepost 29.

A preliminary investigation revealed an eastbound white GMC Sierra, operated by Devon Negathon (52) of South Beach, crossed over the center line and crashed head-on with a westbound gray Toyota Tacoma, operated by Curtis Preston (53) of Toledo. 

Negathon sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. His passenger, Cheryl Anne Ballas (32) of Newport, was transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Corvallis with serious injuries. Preston was extricated and transported to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Corvallis with serious injuries.

Highway 20 was reduced to one lane for approximately four hours. 

OSP was assisted by Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Toledo Fire and Rescue, Philomath Fire Department and ODOT Incident Response.