Myrtle Creek man killed after log truck crashes
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. -- Emergency crews were called to the scene of a log truck accident just after 8:30 a.m. Thursday morning.
The sheriff's office has confirmed that Michael Scott Ray, 47, of Myrtle Creek was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The accident was reported to be near Coos Bay Wagon Road near the Iverson Memorial County Park in the Tenmile area.
The truck left the roadway and went down an embankment, ending up landing on a road below. Authorities say Ray was thrown from the truck.
Sheriff's deputies at the scene said speed was a factor in the crash. "It's very important on windy, curvy roads that people take caution, they slow down, and obviously remember that brakes heat up, and if brakes heat up you lose your braking distance," said Sgt. Clayton Ruble from the Sheriff's office. "So you need to be really careful as you go down a windy hill and know that your brakes are going to heat up and as they heat up, you're going to lose your stopping distance."
Tenmile Fire, Douglas County Sheriff's deputies and BLM personnel all responded to the scene.
The road was closed for several hours as crews removed debris from the scene.
Mike was a friend and schoolmate. I was saddened to hear about the accident. I started thinking of all the good times we had together as kids.One of my best memories was Mike and I sneeking into the Tri city drive in. We sat on the cement block that held the speakers and watched the horror flick Carrie. We were in 5th grade at the time! There were a lot of other good times that we shared growing up in Myrtle Creek. You will be missed Mike. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
THe article is almost right. Â It happened ON the Coos Bay Wagon Road, and ended up back on the Wagon road below. Â It is the same spot another accident happened a few (3-6?) years ago.
When i lost both of my Parents like i did it makes you stop and think, make sure that you Love your Loved ones while you our still here and while they our still around and Love all of your Family as You never know how long someone has to live I know that very well.
So sorry to hear about this Tragic wreck. Weather this guy was speeding or not he lost his life and thats Tragic. I lost my Dad the same way back on Nov 15 th 1966 he was only 40 Years old. He was not speeding. It was Winter time out it was Raining real, real Heavy out that Day he Died and he was coming down a Steep Mountain Road with a Load of Logs and his Brakes Failed on the Logging Truck as he was coming down and he Crashed and the Logs went on him and Crushed him. This was very, very hard for me and still is. three Years before that I lost My Mom in a Tragic Vehicle wreck she was coming home from work and a Drunk Driver went into her lane and hit her and her Vehicle head on. She Died she was only 35 Years old. I was only a teenager when this happened. It was Tragic. Our Thoughts and our Prayers go out to this Family of this GUy that Died Yesterday Michael Ray.
Speed may have been a factor, but faulty equipment may also have been a factor, so I wish that the sheriffs office would not make it seem like it was his fault without knowing for sure. No need to smear his good character!
I will miss the wonderful man you were. i am so glad we were family and I was able to have you as part of my life. God bless you. My prayers and love go out to you, Aunt Carol, Uncle Bill, Carol Lynn, Jeff and especially Brandon and Blake.