Oregon Coast Man Dies in Crash on Highwy 34

The crash claimed the life of 52-year old Carl John Olson of Waldport.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(ALBANY, Ore.) - Oregon State Police are investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash this afternoon on Highway 34 just west of Interstate 5. The victim is reportedly from the Waldport-area and next of kin have been notified. Both vehicles were occupied by fathers from the Waldport area and their adult sons. OSP Public Information Officer Lieutenant Gregg Hastings, says the crash happened at 12:40 PM, just west of Interstate 5 on Highway 34.

51-year old Brian F. Howe of Sweet Home was westbound on Highway 34 in his '99 Ford F350 pick up, when an eastbound Plymouth Sundance turned from the center median left turn lane, into the truck's path, says Hastings.

He says the Plymouth was struck in the passenger side resulting the death of the car's passenger identified as 52-year old Carl John Olson of Waldport. The Plymouth's driver, 28-year old Phillip Ross Olson of Waldport, was transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis with non-life threatening injuries.

According to Hastings, Phillip Olson, who is the victim's son, was driving while suspended. Safety restraint use by both the driver and victim is still to be determined. Brian Howe was not injured. His son who was a passenger, 21-year old Richard Tyler Howe of Sweet Home, was transported by ambulance to Albany General Hospital with minor injuries. Both were using safety restraints. OSP troopers from the Albany Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Assistance at the scene provided by ODOT and fire personnel from Albany, Lebanon and Tangent fire departments. Highway 34 was restricted to one westbound lane until about 3:45 PM.