Accident on South Coast Claims Two

Officials say that weather conditions at the time of the accident consisted of heavy rain, high winds, and wet pavement.

Accident scene about 17 miles north of Coos Bay. Photo by: OSP

(LAKESIDE) - Two people have died and a third was seriously injured Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle traffic crash on Highway 101 about 1/2 mile north of Lakeside.

Oregon State Police say the preliminary investigation indicates that at about 3:00 PM on November 7th, a 1997 Ford Mustang driven by 53-year old Weldon Russell Frizzell, from North Bend, was northbound uphill on Highway 101 near milepost 221 when, for an unknown reason, it swerved broadside across the centerline into the southbound lane where it was struck in the passenger side by a southbound 2005 Chevrolet Ventura van.

Both vehicles came to a stop in the southbound lane.

Mr. Frizzell was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was not using safety restraints.

The driver of the van, 71-year old Beverley Ann McGahuey, age 71, and her husband/passenger, 70-year old George Allan McGahuey, both from Lakeside, were seriously injured. Both were using safety restraints and the van's airbags deployed. They were transported by Lower Umpqua ambulance to Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay for treatment.

Mrs. McGahuey reportedly died from her injuries at about 7:00 PM. Her husband is continuing to be treated at the hospital for his serious injuries.

Highway 101 was closed for about four hours. Officials say that weather conditions at the time of the accident consisted of heavy rain, high winds, and wet pavement.

OSP troopers from the Coos Bay Area Command Office are continuing the investigation.