Lebanon, OR : Two people killed in a single-car accident in Linn County on Sunday afternoon, February 21, 2016

Linn County Sheriff's Office is investigating a deadly car crash on Sunday.

It happened on Spicer Road near the intersection of Tallman Road, northwest of Lebanon, at 4:29 pm.

The driver of a 2013 Ford Escape was identified as Virginia Simone Birky, 76, of Sweet Home. Ms. Birky was pronounced dead at the scene. The front-seat passenger was identified as Richard Fredrick Helvey, 68, of Bozman, Montana. He was also pronounced dead at the scene. A third occupant who was seated in the rear passenger seat, was identified as Leona Halverson Helvey, 58, of Bozman, Montana. Leona is the spouse of Helvey. She was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis with multiple injuries.

Investigators say Ms. Birky and her passengers were returning to Sweet Home from Albany. They were traveling east on Spicer Road and as she was approaching the intersection of Tallman Road, she failed to negotiate the sweeping right hand corner near the intersection. She drove straight through the corner, crossing through the opposing westbound lane of travel and onto the shoulder.

The car went into a ditch and struck a tree. Investigators say it appears that Ms. Birky, and the front passenger, Mr. Helvey, were both struck by the tree.

All passengers were wearing seatbelts and all air bags were deployed. It does not appear that alcohol was a factor in the crash.

The investigation is continuing.

Source :
2 Dead, 1 Hurt In Lebanon Car Crash