Preliminary investigation by Oregon State Police indicates a southbound Ford Econoline, driven by Palmer, lost control of the vehicle, exited the roadway, and struck a utility pole. Palmer was transported to an area hospital with reported minor injuries. His passenger, Kyle King, was transported to an area hospital where he was later declared deceased
Josephine County – One person was killed and another was injured after a single-vehicle crash late Monday night on Highway 199 near milepost 9, according to the Oregon State Police.
The deceased victim was a passenger, identified as 50-year-old Kyle Dewayne King of Elgin, Texas while the injured driver was identified as 27-year-old Dakota Mcleod Palmer of Ashland.
The crash occurred on Highway 199 at approximately 11:53 p.m. on December 15, 2025, when troopers responded to reports of a vehicle that had left the roadway.
Preliminary investigation by Oregon State Police indicates a southbound Ford Econoline, driven by Palmer, lost control of the vehicle, exited the roadway, and struck a utility pole. Palmer was transported to an area hospital with reported minor injuries. His passenger, Kyle King, was transported to an area hospital where he was later declared deceased.
No arrests were reported. At this time, the cause of the crash remains under investigation, with investigators working to determine what led to the loss of control prior to the vehicle leaving the roadway.
Emergency responders from the Oregon State Police were assisted by the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Rural Metro Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation, who helped secure the scene and assist the occupants.
Officials reported that the highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation, and traffic continued to flow normally while crews worked at the crash site.
The fatal Josephine County-crash remains under investigation by Oregon State Police, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.
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