Woman Dies From Injuries After Rock Crashes Through Windshield Near Salishan on Highway 101 (UPDATE)

Anyone with information is asked to contact OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at (800)452-7888.

Photos: Oregon State Police

(GLENEDEN BEACH) - Oregon State Police are investigating a bizarre incident on Highway 101 near Salishan on the Oregon coast that claimed the life of a Coeur D Alene, Idaho woman. 75-year old Carol M. Martin died after being struck and injured by a large rock that crashed through the windshield of the pickup she was riding in.

It happened Thursday at approximately 11:40 AM, as a husband and wife were traveling northbound on Highway 101 near the traffic control light for the Salishan Lodge, just south of Lincoln City.

The couple were in their 1995 Dodge Ram pickup towing a fifth-wheel trailer when a large rock approximately 10 pounds in weight suddenly crashed through the passenger side of the front windshield and struck Mrs. Martin in the neck/shoulder area.

Local emergency medical personnel responded and transported Mrs. Martin to North Lincoln Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

Oregon State Police troopers are in the area checking for any evidence that may help determine where the rock came from. Falling rocks are a hazard, and finding the source will help prevent a repeated tragedy.

Oregon State Police Troopers preliminarily believe the rock may have been tossed into the air after being lodged between dual tires on a passing truck, but have been unable to positively identify the vehicle from which it may have come from.

Anyone with that passed through the area at that time and may have information is asked to contact OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at (800) 452-7888.