UPDATE: Fatal Crash North of Lincoln City Closes Hwy 18 for Hours

A westbound van went off the road and caught fire.

Fatal crash north of Lincoln City. Photo: OSP

(LINCOLN CITY, Ore.) - UPDATE: The driver has been identified as 22-year old Shaypher Lee Hendricks, from Ellensburg, Wa. Hendricks is currently at Legacy Emmanuel in Portland for treatment of serious injuries. The passenger has been identified as 27-year old Austin M. Mayhak, from Union Gap, WA.

Just before 3 a.m., early Tuesday July 12th, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a single vehicle crash on Highway 18, near milepost 3.5 (north of Lincoln City).

Preliminary investigation reveals a white in color 15-passenger GMC van, was traveling westbound when it departed the highway and for unknown reasons, striking several large trees and catching fire.

The driver was transported to North Lincoln Hospital and immediately flown to Legacy Emmanuel in Portland for treatment of serious injuries. The right front passenger was found deceased in the burnt van. Alcohol may have been a contributing factor.

Highway 18 was closed completely for approximately 8 hours. Traffic was re-routed onto North Bank Road during that time. The highway was opened briefly a few times to let commercial motor vehicles clear.

OSP was assisted by the Oregon Department of Transportation, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, North Lincoln Fire and Rescue and Pacific West Ambulance.

More information will be released when available as the investigation is continuing and names will be released pending notification to next of kin.

Source: Oregon State Police