On Wednesday night, March 18, 2026, a horrific two-vehicle crash claimed the life of 41-year-old Junction City, Oregon resident Kenneth Lee Gajda. Gajda was driving his Ford F-250 east on the Randy Papé Beltline (OR-569) toward the Interstate 5 southbound on-ramp in Eugene when the collision happened at around 5:20 p.m.
According to the Eugene Police Department, Gajda’s pickup collided with the left side of a Lexus ES sedan driven by a 65‑year‑old Junction City man. The impact sent Gajda’s truck off its intended path, causing it to break through a metal guardrail. The vehicle then struck a power pole with enough force to shear it, scattering debris across the roadway and prompting an emergency response from multiple agencies. The driver of the Lexus did not require medical transport.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but Gajda was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries. The crash forced authorities to close portions of the Beltline and the I‑5 on‑ramp for several hours while investigators documented the scene and utility crews worked to address the damaged power infrastructure. The closure caused significant traffic delays throughout the early evening.
Investigators have not released additional details regarding contributing factors such as speed, visibility, or mechanical issues. The Eugene Police Department confirmed that the incident remains under active investigation as they continue to gather statements and analyze physical evidence from the crash site. No citations or charges have been announced, and authorities have not indicated whether impairment played any role.
News of Gajda’s death has deeply affected the communities of Junction City and Eugene, where he was known as a steady, hardworking presence. Friends and family described him as someone whose quiet devotion and reliability made a lasting impact on those around him. His sudden loss has left loved ones grappling with grief as they attempt to process the abrupt end of a life woven into the fabric of their daily routines.
As investigators work toward a full understanding of the collision, the community continues to mourn a man whose life was cut short on a familiar stretch of road. The tragedy has renewed conversations about roadway safety along the Beltline corridor, an area that has seen multiple serious crashes in recent years. For those who knew Kenneth Gajda, the focus now is on honoring his memory and supporting one another through the difficult days ahead.
