On Sunday, October 31, 2021 at approximately 2:16 AM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 51 near milepost 2.
Preliminary investigation revealed a Ford Focus, operated by Curtis Smith Jr. (30) of Monmouth, left the roadway at a high rate of speed and rolled. Prior to the crash the vehicle had been the subject of several reported driving complaints.
Smith Jr. sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Hwy 51 was closed for 3.5 hours.
OSP was assisted by Polk County Fire and Medics, Polk county Sheriff’s Office and ODOT.