Otis Man Dies in Crash on Highway 18 East of Highway 101

Police believe the man may have experienced a medical problem just before the crash.

Photos: Oregon State Police

(LINCOLN CITY, Ore.) - An Otis-area man died Monday afternoon when his loaded dump truck veered across Highway 18 about one mile east of Highway 101, drove into a bordering barnyard where it struck two horses and a barn before coming to rest on its side.

Oregon State Police troopers investigating the crash are looking into the possibility that a medical problem may have triggered the chain of events and been a factor in this crash. Monday at approximately 1:00 PM, a 1977 International dump truck loaded with dirt driven by 59-year old Gene Alvin Hilby of Otis, eastbound on Highway 101 near milepost 1.

According to a witness, the dump truck momentarily jerked within its lane and then drove across the westbound lane into an enclosed barnyard on the north side of the highway. The dump truck struck two horses and the southeast corner of a barn, continuing a short distance until it rolled onto its right side and came to a stop. Mr. Hilby was not using safety restraints and was pronounced deceased at the scene. OSP investigators say an autopsy is tentatively planned Tuesday to determine if the driver suffered a medical problem related to reported chest pains earlier that day. The truck was hauling about five yards of dirt, some of which spilled onto the ground. Both horses died as a result of the crash. One horse was killed in the collision and the second horse had to be euthanized by a veterinarian because of its injuries. OSP troopers from the Newport Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Assistance at the scene provided by Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, ODOT, and North Lincoln Fire & Rescue personnel.