Two Fatal Crashes Already in Holiday Traffic: Oregon Coast Range and Near Eugene

Published 07/04/26 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Otis, Oregon) – The Fourth of July holiday weekend got off to a rocky start around Oregon as two fatal crashes occurred Thursday morning in different parts of the state, just as some were beginning to head out on vacation. Oregon State Police (OSP) said they are investigating crashes in the Oregon Coast Range and between Bend and Eugene. (Above: Hwy 18 east of Otis)

Both affected traffic for parts of the day.

OSP said they are still examining evidence in a two-vehicle crash that left one driver dead Thursday morning on Highway 18 near milepost 1 in Lincoln County. Troopers were dispatched at about 10:10 a.m. after reports of a head-on collision in the westbound lane.

According to the preliminary investigation, a gray Nissan pickup driven by Bryan James Anderson, 35, of Grand Ronde, was traveling eastbound when it crossed into oncoming traffic for unknown reasons. The Nissan struck a westbound blue Ford Maverick driven by Jenny Fiddyment Wiens, 63, of Salem.

Anderson died at the scene. Investigators said he was not wearing a seatbelt.

Wiens was taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.

Highway 18 was closed for roughly three hours while troopers and emergency crews worked the scene. North Lincoln Fire & Rescue and the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted with the response.

Screen grab of traffic info earlier Friday, showing the previous incidents on Hwy 18

OSP are also investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred late Thursday morning on Highway 58 near milepost 12 in Lane County. Troopers were called to the scene at about 11:40 a.m.

Investigators said a dark green Toyota Camry driven by Sarah Rachel Pratt, 55, of Lowell, was turning onto Highway 58 from a gravel driveway when it entered the eastbound lane. A dark green Ford F-250 traveling eastbound, driven by Jesse Barrong, 51, of Springfield, struck the Toyota on the driver’s side.

See Oregon Coast Highway 101 / Coast Range Traffic

“The operator of the Toyota (Pratt) was pronounced deceased at the scene,” OSP said. “The operator of the Ford (Barrong) was not injured.”

They added that an adult passenger in the Ford was taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.

Highway 58 was partially closed for roughly two hours while troopers and emergency crews worked the crash. The Eugene-Springfield Fire Department, Lowell Rural Fire Protection District, and the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted at the scene.

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