Toddler killed when semi strikes jogging stroller

TANGENT, Ore. -- Oregon State Police troopers, with the assistance of several local police agencies, is continuing the investigation into Monday morning's fatal traffic crash at the intersection of Highway 99E and Old Highway 34 east of Corvallis. A 2 1/2-year old boy in a jogging stroller was killed after being struck by a commercial truck pulling a semi-trailer as it was in the process of turning onto Highway 99E from Old Highway 34.

OSP troopers from the Albany Area Command office are continuing the investigation, including confirmation of where the jogging stroller was when it was struck. Initial released information that it was struck by the truck while being pushed across Highway 99E has not been confirmed. Anyone with information to assist in this investigation is asked to contact OSP Recruit Trooper Phil Van Leuven at (541) 967-2026, ext. 4310.

According to OSP Lieutenant Mark Cotter, on Feb. 1, at approximately 10 a.m. a 2001 Freightliner truck pulling an empty semi-trailer driven by MARCUS D. COULTER, 37, from Lebanon, was westbound on Old Highway 34. COULTER reportedly came to a stop for a red stop signal. He then was attempting to turn right from westbound Old Highway 34 onto northbound Highway 99E when the jogging stroller containing DYLAN ROYLE AYER, age 2 1/2, was struck. The stroller and victim came to rest in the northbound lanes.

Prior to the incident, COURTNEY B. AYER, 35, from Tangent, was pushing her son's stroller while she jogged southbound on the northbound sidewalk. She came to a stop on the northeast corner of the intersection on the sidewalk prior to the stroller being struck.

DYLAN ROYLE AYER was pronounced deceased at the scene.

COURTNEY AYER may have received some minor injuries to her hands and arms.

COULTER was not injured.

The Linn County Medical Examiner are assisting along with officers from Linn County Sheriff's Office, Albany Police Department, Lebanon Police Department, and Sweet Home Police Department.

Tangent Rural Fire Protection District and ODOT also responded and assisted at the scene. Traffic was coordinated through the area and was able to get through in both directions on Highway 99E during the investigation.