YAMHILL COUNTY, Ore. — Devere Tucker Eastman, 45, Killed in Tragic Single-Vehicle Crash on Highway 22

YAMHILL COUNTY, Ore. — Devere Tucker Eastman, 45, Killed in Tragic Single-Vehicle Crash on Highway 22

YAMHILL COUNTY, Ore. — A devastating single-vehicle accident on Highway 22 has claimed the life of Devere Tucker Eastman, a 45-year-old resident of Dallas, Oregon, according to the Oregon State Police and the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. The crash occurred early Tuesday morning in a rural stretch of the highway just west of the Willamette Valley, leaving family, friends, and the broader Dallas community in mourning.

The fatal crash was reported around 6:15 a.m. on a stretch of Highway 22 near milepost 14, a curving section of road often traveled by commuters heading toward Salem or the Oregon coast. First responders arrived to find a heavily damaged vehicle off the side of the roadway, with its sole occupant — later identified as Devere Eastman — deceased at the scene.

Details of the Incident

According to preliminary findings from Oregon State Police (OSP), Eastman was driving a gray Toyota Tacoma pickup truck westbound on Highway 22 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway, veered down an embankment, and struck a tree at high speed.

Eastman was not wearing a seatbelt, officials said, and suffered fatal injuries in the crash. No other vehicles were involved, and there were no witnesses present at the moment of the incident. Investigators believe that speed and possibly fatigue may have played a role, although a full toxicology report is pending.

Debris from the crash was scattered across a wide area, and the truck sustained significant front-end damage. Emergency responders, including Yamhill County Fire District, closed a portion of the highway for several hours while crews cleared the wreckage and accident reconstruction specialists documented the scene.

Remembering Devere Tucker Eastman

News of Eastman’s death spread quickly through Dallas, Oregon, where he was a lifelong resident and a familiar face to many. Friends and family described him as a hardworking, kind-hearted man who had a deep love for the outdoors, classic cars, and spending time with his family.

“Devere had a laugh you’d never forget,” said longtime friend and coworker Rick Maddox. “He was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. This is just heartbreaking.”

Eastman worked in the local construction industry and was known for his skill as a carpenter and mechanic. He was a proud father and was deeply devoted to his children, who were the center of his world.

“He was a family man through and through,” said his sister, Emily Eastman. “Even on his hardest days, he found time to call and check in on everyone. Our hearts are shattered.”

Community Mourning and Support

In the wake of his passing, a memorial fund has been established to assist with funeral costs and support Eastman’s children. Friends are also organizing a community vigil to be held this Saturday evening at Rotary Park in Dallas, where candles will be lit in his memory.

“This community has always been close-knit, and Devere was one of those people who brought others together,” said Dallas Mayor Brian Dalton. “We are grieving this tragic loss alongside his family.”

Messages of condolence have flooded social media, with many remembering Eastman’s generosity, sense of humor, and dedication to helping others, especially those in need.

Highway 22: A Dangerous Stretch

This accident is the latest in a string of deadly incidents on Highway 22, a roadway known for sharp curves, dense fog, and limited visibility during early morning hours. In recent years, local residents and officials have expressed concern about the safety of certain stretches, especially during high-traffic times or inclement weather.

OSP and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) officials are urging drivers to slow down, wear seatbelts, and avoid distractions when driving on Highway 22 and similar rural routes.

“Our hearts go out to Mr. Eastman’s family,” said Lieutenant Greg Hastings of OSP. “We remind all drivers that even a moment of inattention or fatigue can lead to irreversible tragedy.”

Final Arrangements and Legacy

Funeral arrangements for Devere Tucker Eastman are currently being made by Bollman Funeral Home in Dallas. The family plans to hold a public memorial service next week, and those wishing to pay respects or send condolences can do so through the funeral home’s website.

“We want people to remember Devere not for the way he died, but for how he lived,” said family friend Laura Jensen. “He lived fully, with love in his heart and calluses on his hands from a life of honest work.”

In Loving Memory

🕯️ Devere Tucker Eastman
Born: March 2, 1980 — Died: September 16, 2025
Father, brother, friend, craftsman — forever loved, never forgotten.