Fatal Two-Vehicle Crash Closes I-5 in Jackson County
Medford woman killed after attempting U-turn on interstate, state police say
A fatal crash early Saturday morning temporarily shut down Interstate 5 in Jackson County, according to the Oregon State Police.
Troopers responded at approximately 3:59 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, to a two-vehicle collision on Interstate 5 near milepost 46.
Preliminary findings indicate that a southbound Nissan Altima, driven by Ana Azuchena Villa-Rodriguez, 31, of Medford, attempted to make a U-turn on the interstate for reasons that remain under investigation. The vehicle was struck by a southbound Dodge Ram 2500 driven by Kenneth George Brito, 50, of Grants Pass.
Villa-Rodriguez was pronounced deceased at the scene. Brito was reportedly uninjured.
The crash impacted traffic on Interstate 5 for approximately four hours while investigators worked at the scene.
Oregon State Police were assisted by the Rogue River Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The investigation remains ongoing.
