Teddie Tibbets dies in solo-vehicle rollover accident on Highway 199

Toyota Tundra swerved to avoid deer and rolled multiple times near milepost 10

January 07, 2026 | Josephine, OR

A tragic single-vehicle rollover on Highway 199 in Josephine County claimed the life of a 47-year-old passenger early Tuesday morning. 

Oregon State Police reported the incident near milepost 10, where the driver escaped with minor injuries.

Teddie Dianne Tibbets, 47, of Selma, was killed when the Toyota Tundra she rode in swerved to avoid a deer, lost control and rolled several times on Highway 199 near milepost 10.

What Happened in the Highway 199 Crash?

The accident unfolded just before 9 a.m. when a 52-year-old driver from Eugene, operating a northbound Toyota Tundra, swerved to avoid a deer. This sudden action led to loss of control, causing the truck to veer off the road, roll multiple times along the shoulder, and come to rest upside down.

• Location: Highway 199 near milepost 10, Josephine County, Oregon
• Date and Time: Jan. 7, around 9 a.m.
• Vehicles Involved: Single Toyota Tundra pickup truck
• Occupants: Driver, 52, Eugene, with minor injuries, and Passenger Teddie Dianne Tibbets, 47, Selma, pronounced dead at the scene
• Response: Driver transported to a local hospital for checks, and the Oregon State Police is leading the investigation

The highway shoulder bore the brunt of the rollover, highlighting the dangers of evasive maneuvers on rural roads.

Why Do Rollover Crashes Occur and What Are the Risks?

Rollover incidents, while not the most common, rank among the most lethal traffic collisions, particularly for larger vehicles like pickups and SUVs with elevated centers of gravity. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 6,700 passenger vehicle occupants lost their lives in such crashes in 2023.

These statistics underscore the need for caution in wildlife-prone areas.

Legal Insights on Rollover Crash Investigations

In cases such as this involving motor vehicle rollovers, thorough investigations are essential to determine fault and liability. Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline, stresses the value of independent reviews.

“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Bond. “Time is of the essence in cases such as this and the family of the victim must ensure that evidence is reviewed in an efficient manner.”

• Independent attorneys can uncover details missed in initial reports
• Prompt action preserves critical evidence like black box data
• Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship and emotional distress

Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, adds that wrongful death claims can address both emotional and financial eff.

“We understand that losing a loved one is not only a deeply emotional loss but also an economic one,” said Formica. “If you have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, contact a wrongful death attorney and get the guidance needed in order to obtain the justice you deserve.”

Newsline, the premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our stories undergo thorough fact-checking, and we invite feedback via our Corrections Policy, ensuring a 24-hour review guarantee for accuracy. 

Learn more about our Editorial Process and Editorial Policy.

(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)

Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.