Nine-Vehicle Crash Near Central Point Results in Fatality and Injuries

Jackson County, Oregon- On Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at around 5:27 p.m., Oregon State Police were called to respond to a multiple-vehicle crash on northbound Interstate 5, near milepost 35, in Jackson County.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a Chevrolet Suburban, driven by Helen Marie Cain (64) of Central Point, collided with the center wire barrier under circumstances yet to be determined. This initial collision set off a chain reaction involving a total of nine vehicles at the scene.

Tragically, the operator of a Toyota Tercel, identified as Douglas James Flood (81) from Gold Hill, lost his life following transportation to a local hospital. It was noted that Flood was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Helen Marie Cain, the driver of the Chevrolet Suburban, and Courtney Marie Clark (38) of Grants Pass, operating a Ford Focus involved in the incident, were both transported to a local hospital with injuries deemed non-life-threatening.

Six additional vehicles sustained damage in the crash, though fortunately, no injuries were reported among these occupants:

Mercedes Van driven by Darren Mitchell Brown (36) of Lebanon
Honda CR-V operated by Brandi Lynn Teske Williams (56) of Grants Pass
Ford F-150 operated by Leo Jackson (71) of Central Point
Honda Civic operated by Frances Hammond (76) of Eugene
Honda CR-V operated by Erich Martin Buer (53) of Grants Pass
Ford Mustang operated by Kody Aaron Cox (47) of Grants Pass

The freeway experienced significant disruptions, leading to a five-hour detour of traffic due to the severity of the crash.

Oregon State Police were supported by a collaborative effort from the Jackson County Fire Department, Mercy Flights, Central Point Police Department, Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation in managing the aftermath and assisting those involved.