Fatal Crash on Southern Oregon Coast Involves Three Cars, Nearly Hitting Police

Published 04/16/26 at 6:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Coos Bay, Oregon) – Oregon State Police (OSP) are investigating two major incidents in different parts of Oregon; two serious collisions that happened yesterday (Wednesday).

On the south Oregon coast, OSP are delving into a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday afternoon on Highway 101 near milepost 260 in Coos County.

Troopers were dispatched at 2:48 p.m. after reports of a wrong-way driver.

“The preliminary investigation indicated a white Mercedes E400, operated by Bernard Cooley (78) of Bandon, was traveling northbound in the southbound lane when it nearly collided with a Bandon Police Department patrol vehicle and another passenger car,” OSP said.

The Bandon officer turned around, activated emergency lights, and attempted to stop the driver.

Before the officer could catch up, the Mercedes struck the southbound guardrail, reentered the travel lane, and collided head-on with a southbound Mazda3 operated by Mariah Mayfield, 18, of Coquille.

Mayfield was pronounced dead at the scene. Cooley was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Highway 101 was closed for roughly three hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Bandon Police Department, Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Bandon Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

In northern Oregon, OSP are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday afternoon on Highway 26 near milepost 39 in Clackamas County.

Troopers responded at 3 p.m. after a westbound Dodge Ram left the roadway near Welches. According to the preliminary investigation, the driver, Alen Hatunic, 39, of Portland, lost control on a stretch of Highway 26 covered in snow and hail. The pickup crossed the roadway, went through a ditch, and struck a tree head-on.

A rear passenger, Nina Westbrook, 34, of Gresham, died at the scene.

Hatunic and another passenger, Eugene Bryce Westbrook, 39, of Portland, were transported to a hospital with serious injuries. A 2-year-old girl in the vehicle was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

Oregon Coast Highway 101 / Coast Range Traffic -- | -- Portland, Oregon Traffic, Road Conditions - Traffic Cams: I-5 - I-205 - I-405 - Hwy 217 - I-84 - Highway 26 Beaverton -- | --
Willamette Valley / Salem Traffic

Highway 26 was closed for roughly three hours during the on-scene investigation. Weather conditions and speed are believed to be contributing factors.

OSP was assisted by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Hoodland Fire District, AMR Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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