JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. (4 August 2026) – On Saturday, August 1, 2026, at approximately 4:42 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a fatal vehicle-versus-elk crash.  The preliminary investigation indicated a white Kia Spectra, operated by Hilver Randolfo Perez Interiano (51) of Grants Pass, was traveling eastbound on Highway 234 near Antioch Road near Eagle Point when it struck a large cow elk in the roadway. After striking the elk, the vehicle continued eastbound until it left the roadway and struck a tree on the westbound shoulder.  The operator of the Kia (Perez Interiano) was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The Kia passenger, Eyda Ortiz Perez (42) of Grants Pass, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.  The highway was closed for approximately four hours during the on‑scene investigation.  OSP was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Mercy Flights, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.