June 16, 2026, 4:04 p.m. PT
A Springfield man died following a three-vehicle crash on Highway 126 near milepost 52 on June 15.
According to Oregon State Police, John Michael Unrein, 46, was driving a red Mazda3 westbound when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with an eastbound white Chevrolet Equinox. The Chevrolet rolled over and stopped in the westbound lane, while the Mazda3 continued into the eastbound lane and struck a red Hyundai Elantra.
Unrein was pronounced dead at the scene. The occupants of the Chevrolet Equinox reported no injuries, while the driver of the Hyundai was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
The highway was closed for approximately four hours during the investigation. Further details regarding the cause of the crash are pending.
Haleigh Kochanski is a breaking news and public safety reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at HKochanski@gannett.com.