Florence, OR (April 3, 2025) — A head-on collision in the early morning hours of Thursday claimed the life of a Eugene resident, Mathew Jacob Decker, in Lane County, Oregon.
Incident Details: The Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to the scene around 2:20 a.m. near milepost six on Highway 126, just outside Florence. According to a preliminary investigation, a white Freightliner semi-truck traveling westbound, driven by Joseph Jack Botelho, 64, of Veneta, collided head-on with a white Ford T-350 van heading eastbound, driven by Decker, 37, of Eugene.
Mr. Decker was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Botelho sustained minor injuries but declined transportation to a medical facility. The cause of the collision remains unclear and is under ongoing investigation.
Highway 126 was shut down for approximately five hours while authorities conducted an on-site investigation, causing significant traffic delays throughout the morning.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: The OSP, Western Lane Fire and EMS, and the Oregon Department of Transportation continue investigating the circumstances of this fatal crash. Determining liability in head-on collisions often depends on whether one vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic due to driver fatigue, impairment, distraction, or vehicle malfunction.
Surviving family members may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim if evidence shows that negligence contributed to the crash. Compensation in such cases may include damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and emotional suffering.
My condolences to Mr. Decker’s loved ones and all those affected by this loss.
Source: KVAL News