Submerged Vehicle Driver Dies, Dec. 28

Update:  Lincoln City Police regret to report that Edward Bolton Jr. succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. He had been transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital initially. He was being transferred to another hospital in the Portland area by ambulance but passed away before arriving.  On 12-22-17 about 1:40PM Lincoln City Police responded to a report of a roll over crash on NE East Devils Lake Road approximately 1/2 mile east of SE Port in Lincoln City. Officers found a 1998 Ford Ranger pickup upside down and partially submerged in the water on the north side of East Devils Lake Rd. Officers Storm, Burke, Smith, and Anderson immediately entered the water to assist three witnesses who were attempting to extricate the occupants of the vehicle. North Lincoln Fire and Rescue units arrived to assist a few minutes later. Two people were then extricated from the pickup. The driver Edward Bolton Jr. age 47, of Grand Ronde was unconscious and transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital and is listed in critical condition. The passenger, Murae Van Ras, age 24, of Lincoln City was also transported to SNLH with minor injuries and possible hypothermia. In addition to the outstanding team effort made in this rescue by police and fire, the Lincoln City Police would like to recognize the heroic efforts of the three witnesses. They not only stayed on scene, but placed themselves at risk by entering the icy waters to assist. They helped keep Van Ras calm, until rescuers could extricate her. The Lincoln County Major Crash Team was activated and assisted in analyzing evidence at the scene of the crash. This team is made up of personnel from the Oregon State Police, Newport PD, Lincoln County SO, Toledo PD, and ODOT. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Officer Liden at the Lincoln City Police Dept. at 541-994-3636.