Two Fatal Wrecks: South Oregon Coast and Coast Range

Published 11/09/2026 at 9:58 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Coos County, Oregon) – Two fatal wrecks happened on and near the Oregon coast at the start of November: one near Coquille and the other in the central Oregon Coast Range. Oregon State Police (OSP) released the information on both incidents within a few days.

The first crash occurred Sunday, Nov. 1, at about 11:30 a.m. on Highway 36 near milepost 5.2 in Lane County.

A preliminary investigation found that a black Audi Q3 driven by 47-year-old Jarod Layne Upham of Swisshome was traveling westbound near Florence when it left the roadway for unknown reasons and entered the shoulder. The vehicle traveled up an embankment, struck a boulder and rolled over, ejecting the driver.

“The operator of the Audi (Upha.m.) was pronounced deceased at the scene despite life-saving efforts by bystanders,” said OSP. “Upham. is not believed to have been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.”

Highway 36 was impacted for about four hours while crews investigated. Oregon State Police were assisted by the Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

One day later, another fatal crash was reported in Coos County.

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At approximately 2:34 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 42S near milepost 13.8 outside Coquille.

According to investigators, a black Subaru Outback driven by 56-year-old Joanne Marie Rutland of Hillsboro was traveling westbound when it failed to negotiate a sharp curve and left the roadway. The vehicle descended an embankment, struck a tree, continued down a steep slope and came to rest before catching fire.

Rutland was pronounced dead at the scene.

Traffic on Highway 42S was affected for approximately 30 minutes during the investigation. Assisting agencies included the Coos County Sheriff's Office, Coquille Fire Department and ODOT.

Both crashes remain under investigation by Oregon State Police.

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