Gervais Man Killed in Crash with Alleged Drunken Driver

A Gervais man died in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 99E near his hometown Tuesday night. The other driver is in custody on suspicion of drunken driving.

Oregon State Police Troopers say the crash occurred when a Dodge Ram 2500 driven by 33-year-old Angel Emiliano Hernandez-Cruz, of Mt. Angel, lost control and struck a Nissan pickup truck driven by Luis Morales-Ramirez, 37, of Gervais.

Morales-Ramirez sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hernandez-Cruz was transported to the Marion County Jail, where he was lodged on charges of first-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants and driving while suspended (misdemeanor). He remains in custody as of Wednesday morning and is being held without bond.

Highway 99E was closed for approximately four and a half hours while investigators worked the scene. OSP was assisted by Woodburn Fire Department, Hubbard Police Department, and ODOT.