One Dies, Several Injured in Crash Near Otter Crest

OSP troopers are continuing the investigation.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(OTTER ROCK, Ore.) - Oregon State Police troopers are investigating a Thursday morning fatal traffic crash on Highway 101 near Otter Crest that resulted in the death of one person and injuries to five others, four of which were serious or critical.

Preliminary investigation according to OSP Lieutenant Mike Turner, indicates that this morning at approximately 9:30 a.m. a 1998 Ford Expedition driven by 42-year old William Wooley of Waldport, was southbound on Highway 101 near milepost 131 when, for an unknown reason, it crossed the centerline and crashed head-on into a northbound 2005 Nissan Altima driven by 51-year old Richard A. Wilson of Chehalis, Washington. Richard Wilson was transported by ambulance to Samaritan Pacific Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. His passenger/wife, 53-year old Susan Louise Wilson, was seriously injured.

She was initially transported by ambulance to North Lincoln Hospital and then transferred by air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. Both were was using safety restraints and the car's airbags deployed.

Wooley was seriously injured and transported by ambulance to Samaritan Pacific Community Hospital. He was then transferred to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis.

There were three passengers in the Ford Expedition.

40-year old Luann C. Cleveland of Waldport was critically injured. She was transported by REACH air ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis.

12-year old Megan Flannagin of Waldport was transported by ambulance to North Lincoln Hospital with minor injuries.

12-year old Anica Jameson of Florence was seriously injured. She was transported by ground ambulance to North Lincoln Hospital and then transferred by air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Hospital.

Safety restraint use information by the Ford's occupants is pending confirmation. The vehicle's airbags deployed.

OSP troopers from the Newport Area Command office are continuing the investigation with the assistance of the Lincoln County District Attorney's Office.

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln City Police Department, Depoe Fire Department, Newport Fire Department, Pacific West Ambulance and ODOT assisted. All lanes were re-opened about 12:45 p.m.