ESTACADA -- An 81-year-old Lebanon man died Sunday morning a day after he drove into a downed tree, his vision possibly blocked by sunlight.
William F. Walling, 81, was taken by Lifeflight to Legacy Emanuel with critical injuries, according to OSP Recruit Trooper Kevin Ferguson.
Strong winds brought the tree down on the west side of Oregon 211 about three miles south of Estacada. It came to rest across most of the roadway. At least one driver had already stopped and was trying to warn other drivers.
Walling was driving a 1985 El Camino. He was wearing a seat belt. The highwas was closed for about 90 minutes.
