Two Die in Crash East of Newport

Two more people were injured in the double fatal crash on Highway 20.

Photo courtesy: Oregon State Police

(NEWPORT, Ore.) - A Seal Rock Couple died in a two-vehicle head-on crash Friday afternoon on Highway 20 about twenty miles east of Newport.

Oregon State Police troopers say that around 5:20 p.m. Friday, a 1986 Cadillac De Ville operated by 86-year old Jack Whipple, was westbound on Highway 20 near milepost 20 when, according to witnesses, it began to pass another vehicle.

OSP investigators say that as the Cadillac crossed the center line, it collided head-on with an eastbound 1999 Acura Integra driven by 17-year old Cory Allen Lewis of Lebanon.

Investigators report that after impact, the Cadillac left the highway and rolled onto its top. The Acura came to rest in the center of Highway 20. Mr. Whipple and his 76-year old female passenger, Constance Elsie Abercrombie of Seal Rock, were both pronounced deceased at the scene.

Lewis received minor injuries. His right front passenger, 18-year old Shawleen Santana of Lebanon, was seriously injured.

Both were transported by ambulance to Samaritan Pacific Community Hospital. Santana was later transferred to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis where she continues to be treated.

Safety restraint use information is pending confirmation.

OSP troopers from the Newport Area Command office are continuing the investigation. ODOT and local emergency response agencies assisted at the scene.

Highway 20 was closed about 3 hours.