Crash on Hwy 101 North of Gearhart Claims Life of One Man

Another man was seriously injured when the two vehicles impacted.

Crash scene on Highway 101 Photo courtesy: Oregon State Police

(GEARHART) - One person died and two others were injured in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon on Highway 101 just north of Gearhart.

Police say the crash happened around 3:00 PM Tuesday, when a 2005 Toyota Highlander driven by 80-year old Lyndon L. Browne of Gearhart, turned left from the center turn lane of northbound Highway 101 onto Highlands Road, in front of a southbound 1991 GMC pickup driven by 35-year old Blake E. Gloria of Warrenton.

Investigators say the GMC pickup crashed into the Toyota's passenger side. After impact the Toyota came to a stop in the ditch on the southbound shoulder, and the GMC came to a stop in the southbound lane.

Mr. Browne was extricated from his vehicle by Gearhart Fire Department. He was transported by Medix ambulance to Columbia Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. He was not using safety restraints.

Gloria and his passenger, 22-year old Matthew Cozart of Seaside, were using safety restraints. Both were transported by Medix ambulance to Seaside Providence Hospital. Gloria is being transferred to Oregon Health Sciences University by LifeFlight with serious injuries. Cozart received minor injuries and was treated and released.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Astoria Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Assistance at the scene was provided by ODOT, Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, Gearhart Police Department, Gearhart Fire Department, and Medix Ambulance.

The southbound lane was closed for about one hour.