Crash Near Central Point Results in One Death and Multiple Injuries

Central Point, Oregon- On Thursday, August 29, 2024, at approximately 2:19 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 99 and Scenic Avenue near Central Point.

According to a preliminary investigation, the incident occurred when a silver Nissan Rogue, driven by 76-year-old Marjett Charlem Schille of Central Point, attempted to make a left turn onto Scenic Avenue against a flashing yellow light. At the same time, a tan Chevrolet C25, driven by 21-year-old Michael Anthony Culmone of Gold Hill, was entering the intersection southbound on Highway 99 with a green light. The two vehicles collided nearly head-on, veering off the roadway and crashing into a pedestrian pole.

As a result of the collision, both Schille and her passenger, 75-year-old Robert Michael Lewis, also of Central Point, were transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Lewis sustained life-threatening injuries and, despite medical intervention, passed away on September 2, 2024. Schille suffered serious injuries but remains in stable condition.

Culmone, the driver of the Chevrolet, was also transported to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Following the incident, Schille was cited for failing to obey a traffic control device.

The Oregon State Police were supported in their response by Jackson County Fire District 3 and the Oregon Department of Transportation. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.