Central Coast Fatality, July 20

The Newport Police Department is continuing its investigation into a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on North Coast Highway (US 101), at the intersection of NE 36th St. George Warrington Lewis Jr, age 68, of Newport, was operating a 1996 Nissan Sentra, westbound, on NE 36th Street. Lewis intended to travel southbound on North Coast Highway. In doing so, Lewis entered the highway, crossing the northbound lane of travel. Lewis drove into the path of a northbound 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The PT Cruiser was being operated by Diana Beatrice Bishop, age 76, of Depoe Bay. The area of impact was identified as within the northbound lane of travel and partially in the left turn lane, as Bishop had attempted an avoidance maneuver. Lewis and Bishop were the sole occupants of their respective vehicles. There was airbag deployment in both vehicles and seatbelts were in use by both operators. Lewis was extricated from his vehicle in order to be medically treated. Both drivers were transported by Pacific West Ambulance to Samaritan Pacific Community Hospital (SPCH), in Newport, for treatment of their injuries. Bishop was treated at SPCH for minor injuries and was expected to be released later that same evening. Lewis was flown by air ambulance to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, for life threatening injuries sustained in the crash. Lewis succumbed to those injuries in the early morning hours on July 18, 2015. Neither impairment nor speed are believed to be contributing factors to the crash. The Newport Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Newport Fire Department, Pacific West Ambulance and TCB Security. Traffic was restricted to an alternating single lane of movement, around the crash scene, for approximately an hour and a half. The investigating officer is Ofcr. Jon Humphries. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact him at 541-265-4851. The Newport Police Department Tip Line is also available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856.