On Sunday, May 20, 2018 at about 3:45pm, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a traffic crash on US Highway 101 near milepost 145, just south of South Beach. Preliminary investigation revealed that a blue 2007 Toyota Corolla, driven by Shane LARSON, age 44, of Tillamook, and also occupied by Tyann WALKER, age 32, from Beaver, was traveling northbound when the vehicle crossed into the southbound lane of travel on a relatively straight section of the highway. The vehicle struck a southbound silver 2014 Buick Verano head on. The Buick Verano was driven by Sean COMPTON, age 50, from Springfield. Following the initial collision, the Toyota Corolla traveled over an embankment west of the roadway and rolled onto its top. The Buick Verano spun across the northbound lane and came to rest with the rear of the vehicle against the guardrail facing west. LARSON and COMPTON were transported by ambulance to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport. LARSON was later transported by Life Flight helicopter to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis due to the extent of his injuries. WALKER suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. US Highway 101 was closed intermittently during the investigation for approximately six hours following the crash.
