Sarah Susman, 25, died in multi-vehicle crash

Sept. 22, 2021 — On Monday, Sept. 20, at approximately 7:14 a.m., Oregon State Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a four-vehicle crash on Highway 126 near milepost 37. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a Kenworth log truck, operated by Shane McVay (64) of Eugene, was eastbound when the loaded trailer tipped over. The trailer struck a westbound Toyota Prius, operated by Sarah Susman (25) of Springfield and a Dodge Ram towing a boat, operated by Randall Tokich (70) of Eugene. The Dodge Ram then struck an eastbound Ford Mustang, operated by Jordyn Tippett (20) of Coquille.

Susman sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. McVay and Tippett were transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend with injuries. Tokich had minor injuries. 

Susman was a part-time Western Lane Ambulance District employee and was driving to work when the accident occurred.

Social media for Western Lane Ambulance and Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue posted, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends, and to all of our WLAD and SVFR team members in this difficult time.”

Susman was recently hired with WLAD after completing the EMT Intermediate program at Lane Community College. She had previously been an EMT and volunteer firefighter for three years.

As of Monday evening, Highway 126 was still closed, with a detour through Poodle Creek Road and Highway 36. 

OSP was assisted by Lane County Sheriff’s Office and ODOT.