Passenger in Fatal Crash is the Third Colton Resident to Die on Highway 211 in the Past Two Months

A Colton woman was killed in a two-vehicle accident on Highway 211 east of Molalla Thursday afternoon, the third Colton resident to die in a fatal accident on that road in the past two months.

The collision occurred at approximately 4:15 p.m. near the intersection of 211 and Hillockburn Road, near the unincorporated community of Springwater.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a maroon 2004 Honda CRV, operated by 72-year-old Sam H. Oroke, of Colton, was traveling northbound on Highway 211, when he crossed into the oncoming lane and collided with a black 2013 Nissan Maxima, operated by Jimmie Grimes, 75.

Grimes was transported to a hospital for injuries, as was his passenger, Janet Grimes, who was also 75. Sadly, Janet Grimes was pronounced deceased at the hospital in Portland.

All three were residents of Colton.

Two other Colton residents were killed in fatal accidents that occurred in the span of a week in late February and early March. On Feb. 27, 28-year-old Jacob Slinkard died when his pickup drove off 211 for unknown reasons and struck a tree.

Just three days later, Matthew Deets, 49, was a passenger who was killed in a fatal crash on 211 the afternoon of March 1 (see photo).

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