YAMHILL COUNTY, OR – A tragic crash on Highway 154 near milepost 6 claimed the life of one driver Tuesday morning, leaving the community shaken. The collision occurred at approximately 8:43 a.m. on January 13, 2026, when Oregon State Police were dispatched to the scene of a head-on collision involving two vehicles.

According to investigators, a southbound Kia Spectra crossed the centerline for reasons still under investigation and collided with a northbound International commercial motor vehicle and trailer. The driver of the Kia, 35-year-old Marcel Israel Benavides of Dayton, suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the commercial truck, 26-year-old Jose Armando Perez Torres of Salem, was unharmed. Authorities confirmed that no arrests were made in connection with the incident.

Emergency responders from Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, Dayton Fire and Rescue, Lafayette Fire and Rescue, McMinnville Fire District, and the Oregon Department of Transportation rushed to assist at the crash site. Highway 154 was closed for roughly four hours as crews conducted a thorough investigation and cleared the roadway.

Oregon State Police noted that the cause of the crash is still under review, with investigators examining factors that may have contributed to the Kia crossing into oncoming traffic. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers on rural highways and the importance of safe driving practices.

Friends, family, and community members are mourning the loss of Marcel Israel Benavides, who tragically lost his life in what began as an ordinary Tuesday morning commute. Authorities continue to gather details, urging anyone with information regarding the collision to come forward.