Milwaukie Man Dies in Crash Near Waldport

Witnesses are asked to contact Trooper Greg Plummer at (541) 265-5354 ext. 309.

Crash scene Saturday on Highway 34 near the Oregon coast. Photo: Oregon State Police

(WALDPORT, Ore.) - Police say a Milwaukie-area man died Saturday afternoon when he lost control of his car while trying to complete a pass and was struck broadside by a pickup on Highway 34, about four miles east of Waldport.

Oregon State Police troopers on the scene of the crash that happened at approximately 1:24 this afternoon, involved a red 1993 Honda Accord four-door driven by 22-year old Viktor Maleyev of Milwaukie, was westbound on Highway 34 near milepost 4 following two other vehicles that were traveling as a group.

All three vehicles were attempting to pass at least two other westbound vehicles, police investigators say. They say the first two vehicles completed the pass but Maleyev was running out of room and attempted to get back into the westbound lane because of an oncoming eastbound 1994 Nissan pickup. Maleyev lost control of his car and it slide broadside into the eastbound lane where the Nissan pickup crashed into the passenger side of the Honda.

Maleyev was not using safety restraints and police say he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the Nissan pickup, 54-year old Roger Clausel of Waldport, was using safety restraints and received minor injuries. Clausel was transported by ambulance to Pacific Communities Hospital where he was treated and released.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Newport Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed any unusual driving by Maleyev or the two other vehicles it was traveling with, described as white and blue Acura vehicles, is asked to contact Trooper Greg Plummer at (541) 265-5354 ext. 309.

The other two vehicles did stop at the crash scene and occupants have been interviewed.

Assistance at the scene provided by Lincoln County Sheriffs Office, Newport Police Department, Lincoln City Police Department, Central Coast Fire & Rescue, and ODOT. The highway was closed for about 2 hours before being opened to one lane. All lanes were reopened about 6:00 PM.