Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports today, May 13, at 08:07 a.m., Deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash on Airport Road near Denny School Road west of Lebanon. Linn County Dispatch received a 9-1-1 report of two vehicles involved in a head-on crash.
The investigation revealed Daniel Bates III, 48, of Lebanon and 10 children traveling to Central Valley Christian School were struck head on by Katherine Stark, 47, of Corvallis. Stark was driving a 1989 Nissan D21 pickup east on Airport Road when she entered the westbound lane striking the 2014 Mercedes Sprinter Van driven by Bates.
Stark received serious injuries and was transported by Lebanon Medics to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis where she continues to receive treatment. Bates and the children, ranging from 5-13 years old, received minor cuts and bruising from the impact. They returned to their original destination after assistance from parents and school staff. Deputies continue to investigate the crash and conduct interviews.
The Linn County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Lebanon Fire Department, Lebanon Police Department, Albany Police Department and Linn County Road Department. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office (541-967-3950).
