Ghanaian Family Killed In Oregon Crash

SALEM, OREGON (USA) -- A married couple from Salem and their 17-month-old daughter were killed in an accident on a straight section of Highway 22 near Dallas, police said. James W. Kutten, 45, and his wife, Michelle R. Kutten, 39, were dead at the scene. Their daughter, Nicole Kutten, died at Salem Hospital following the Monday night crash.

A fourth passenger, Sarah N. Kutten, 19, was being treated at Salem Hospital for cuts and bruises and was in fair condition Tuesday. She is the daughter of James Kutten and lives in Woodburn with her mother. Sarah Kutten told police that her father began suffering a medical problem before the car veered off the road.

James Kutten, who emigrated from Ghana, was a diversity coordinator for the state Department of Corrections. Michelle Kutten was a program analyst with the Department of Justice, according to their family.

Oregon State Police Sgt. Alan Hageman said police were not calling for an autopsy on James Kutten.