Jefferson County crash kills one and seriously injures another

Published 3:25 pm Friday, October 13, 2023

Culver resident killed in vehicle crash in Jefferson County

Oregon State Police responded Thursday to a head-on crash that killed one person in Jefferson County.

The accident occurred while Maria Calderon, 54, of Metolius, was driving south along state Highway 361, OSP said in a press release. A preliminary investigation indicated Calderon attempted to turn a corner too fast, crossing the centerline. Calderon’s Toyota Camry struck a Ford Focus moving north, killing the driver, Melonie Dawn Aldred, 51.

Aldred, a Culver resident, was declared dead at the scene, and Calderon was put on an emergency flight to obtain medical attention for serious injuries.

Investigation of the crash closed Highway 361 for three hours. The investigation is ongoing. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Madras Police Department were unable to provide additional information.