EAGLE POINT, Ore. – A driver on Highway 62 crossed the center line and hit a semi truck head on.
Witnesses say the driver was having trouble staying in his lane while headed northbound near Ball Road on Highway 62 just north of Eagle Point on Friday afternoon. Police notified next of kin that 59-year-old Medford resident Kim Pitzl died in this incident.
Crews blocked the road with flares and detoured traffic while Oregon State Police officers worked the scene of the accident. The Oregon Department of Transportation also responded to the scene.
There was a car in front of the semi as they approached the swerving SUV and, that car was able to dodge the oncoming SUV, but the truck didn’t have time to do the same.
22 comments
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Jill McNulty says:
November 9, 2012 at 3:11 pm (UTC -7)
This is horrific! Do they know if it was drug or alcohol related? Or maybe the driver was on their cell phone?
Lance says:
November 9, 2012 at 3:24 pm (UTC -7)
Or maybe a medical condition, or aliens were after them. Why do we always have to throw drugs and alcohol into the mix BEFORE the facts are known?
Haiku says:
November 9, 2012 at 4:02 pm (UTC -7)
Thank you Lance.
NICOLE WELLS says:
November 9, 2012 at 3:27 pm (UTC -7)
was the person on their cell phone why isnt the judges in our area doing anything they due for alcoholics and maybe drugs and diabetics so whats up
Cynthia Hayes says:
November 9, 2012 at 3:33 pm (UTC -7)
It’s very sad, I was coming up on the accident and 3 OSP officers went flying by me. This pic was taken prior to that as when I came up to it there was a FireTruck and the 3 OSP Officers had just arrived. From what the gentleman said that was diverting traffic onto Reese Creek Rd, he said that 2 people were deceased at the scene and the bodies were covered on the road. Turned my stomach to see it.
Thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of the deceased and to the poor Darigold SemiTruck driver. I can’t imagine how he is feeling right now, even though this was not his fault.
kerri perry says:
November 9, 2012 at 3:36 pm (UTC -7)
I heard they dont think intoxicants were involved..so sad….condolences to family and friends..wow
melanie says:
November 9, 2012 at 4:14 pm (UTC -7)
Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the 2 deceased and the truck driver. So sad…
Bree says:
November 9, 2012 at 5:57 pm (UTC -7)
Rip Kim you were a wonderful man and will be missed by so many….may the Angeles by your guide…..
michelle says:
November 9, 2012 at 6:46 pm (UTC -7)
This was my uncle kim!!! a GOOD MAN!!! He was not on his cell phone or drunk! please show compassion when you post things people! We are all very sad and in shock right now….
Jennifer says:
November 9, 2012 at 7:14 pm (UTC -7)
My heart is with you. I am sorry for your loss
Lance says:
November 9, 2012 at 10:21 pm (UTC -7)
So sorry for your loss!!!! My prayers
Suzanne Delatorre says:
November 9, 2012 at 10:24 pm (UTC -7)
I came up on that accident and feel so bad. I’m sorry you lost someone so suddenly and terribly, Pitzl family.
Catherine says:
November 12, 2012 at 9:48 am (UTC -7)
Michelle, I knew your dad for many years. He was just a good old guy. My husband and your dad moved up here to Oregon nearly 26 years ago and kept in touch throughout the years. He fixed my old delapitated farmhouse when no one else wanted to touch it, made it stand up real well against the heavy wind that hits the property. John would want me to let you know how sorry he is.
michelle says:
November 13, 2012 at 7:38 am (UTC -7)
Hi Catherine,
It was actually my uncle, but thank you so much for the kind words! He was quite a pro at fixing up places that no one else wanted to touch….
Jennifer Lee says:
November 9, 2012 at 7:11 pm (UTC -7)
Shame on you guys to automatically insinuate the worst!
May God give the family of both comfort and you both rest in peace. My deepest heartfelt sympathy.
Laricia says:
November 9, 2012 at 7:15 pm (UTC -7)
I did not know the person in this accident but I agree 100% with Michelle people need to realize that no matter what the reason for any accident if someone is lost there is someone who is missing them
Trisha says:
November 9, 2012 at 7:27 pm (UTC -7)
This is VERY sad, Hwy 62 isn’t a very forgiving HWY and has taking far too many lives of loved ones. There is little room to avoid any incident, and the road can become very slick at times. I drive this road everyday and cringe on bad weather days. Some drive too slow others drive too fast and there is very few safety measures dividing the Hwy. My prayers go out to the family’s of both drivers.
Judy Gillette-Pelkey says:
November 9, 2012 at 11:07 pm (UTC -7)
I hope he wasn’t conscious when he hit the truck. He possibly had a heart attack or something else. I don’t know him but rest in peace.
Serena says:
November 9, 2012 at 11:53 pm (UTC -7)
Michelle I am sorry for your loss…. I was coming from Shady Cove when I was flagged to go on a different route… I had no idea that it was a accident of this nature… I pray for your family….
MICHELLE says:
November 13, 2012 at 7:36 am (UTC -7)
Thank you everyone for your kind words….All I can say right now is always let the people you love know their importance in your life, NO MATTER WHAT!!
The Johnson's says:
November 13, 2012 at 1:20 pm (UTC -7)
Kim you were a good friend!! You always asked how my mom and kids were doing and if I was married yet (no)..Wished you got OUR “37″ going it would have a great deal of fun. I will have your old hog going next spring..Miss you brother!!!! You will be greatly missed, Big bill
HUEY says:
November 14, 2012 at 9:32 am (UTC -7)
Quite a loss to all who new him. Kim endured a lot in life. Our loss, Heavens gain.