September 30, 2020 4:10 a.m.

Two people died in a motorcycle versus SUV accident just west of Sutherlin on Tuesday afternoon.

A report from Oregon State Police said at about 1:15 p.m. OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to the two-vehicle crash on Highway 138W.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the SUV, driven by a 45-year old Sutherlin woman, was westbound slowing to turn south onto Dovetail Lane when a westbound motorcycle, operated by 34-year old Keith Berry, also of Sutherlin, attempted to pass. The motorcycle crashed into the driver’s side of the SUV.

Berry and his passenger, 27-year old Caylla Ritchie of Roseburg, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene. The SUV’s driver was taken to Mercy Medical Center with serious injuries. The woman was later transferred to Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend in Springfield, where she was listed in fair condition at last check, according to a hospital spokesperson.

OSP was assisted by several other agencies at the accident scene. A short section of the highway was closed for a few hours following the accident with traffic detoured around the area.