The traffic collision was reported at around 2:29 p.m. on April 26 on Highway 30 near milepost 62

Daren McLeod
Daren McLeod Killed, Michael Olson Hurt in Head-on Crash on State Route 30 near Milepost 62 in Columbia County

Columbia County, OR – The Oregon State Patrol has identified a victim killed in a head-on collision on Highway 30 in Oregon Saturday afternoon as Daren James McLeod, 48, of Clatskanie.

The traffic collision was reported at around 2:29 p.m. on April 26 on Highway 30 near milepost 62.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a gray Volkswagen Jetta operated by McLeod was traveling eastbound on the highway when it crossed the center line into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a black Ford F-350 pickup driven by Michael Todd Olson, 63, of Hammond, hauling a camping trailer.

McLeod was declared deceased at the scene.

Olson had minor injuries and was not transported.

The highway was closed for about four and half hours for the on-scene investigation.

An investigation is underway.