One Dead, One Injured in South Oregon Coast Dunes Crash

Published 05/25/26 at 9:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Coos Bay, Oregon) - The busy holiday weekend took its toll on the Oregon coast, with at least one rescue on the northern half and a tragedy on the south coast. Both ended up involving the U.S. Coast Guard. (Photo CCSO)

A 35-year-old dirt bike rider died Sunday evening after a multi-vehicle crash in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area near Railroad Hill, according to the Coos County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). It's a section of coastline that sees at least one rather serious off-road vehicle incident a year.

Emergency crews were dispatched at 5:01 p.m. on May 24 after an ATV collision involving two dirt bikes and a side-by-side. Deputies and medics determined one rider, a 35-year-old man, required immediate trauma care and requested a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station North Bend.

“The U.S. Coast Guard did hoist the male and transport him to Bay Area Hospital by aircraft,” said the sheriff's office. “Sadly, with all efforts by everyone involved, the 35-year-old male dirt bike rider succumbed to his injuries.”

The second rider involved was a a 13-year-old boy, suffering from multiple broken bones. Hauser Fire Department and Bay Cities Ambulance took him to Bay Area Hospital, and he was later transferred to Portland for specialized pediatric treatment. Both riders were wearing helmets, proper gear and required safety flags, officials said. The side-by-side was also properly equipped.

Full photo from CCSO

According to witness statements, the side-by-side was traveling south and had come to a complete stop after seeing the approaching dirt bikes.

“The dirt bike riders did not see the side-by-side and jumped the dune,” said the sheriff's office. “One rider landed on top of the side-by-side, and the other rider attempted to brake but was unable to stop and went head-on with the stationary side-by-side. Speed and jumping without a spotter were contributing factors in this unfortunate crash.”

From 2023: Fiery DUI Crash on S. Oregon Coast Illustrates Importance of Dune Safety, Sobriety - An ATV plowed nose-first into a steep sand dune

The Sheriff’s Office reminded all dune riders that jumping without a spotter is both unsafe and a violation of regulations.

“During this difficult time, the Sheriff’s Office sends its condolences to all parties involved,” the office said.

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