March 25, 2023 5:10 p.m. 

A Washington State woman died in a freeway wreck on Friday morning.

An Oregon State Police report said just before 6:00 a.m. troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 southbound, about 8 miles south of Cottage Grove. A preliminary investigation indicated that a semi-truck and trailer operated by a White City man was southbound and lost control, striking the center barrier where it came to rest. An SUV, operated by 45-year old Karen Sweesy of Monroe, was also southbound and came upon the semi. The SUV crashed into the left rear corner of the semi-trailer. Sweesy was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

A passenger in the SUV, 59-year old Shari Landerville, also of Monroe, received serious injuries and was taken to PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend in Springfield. The operator of the commercial motor vehicle was not injured.

The southbound lanes of the freeway were closed for an extended amount of time while an on-scene investigation was conducted.

OSP was assisted by several other agencies.