Hwy. 101 Fatal, March 20

Oregon State Police (O SP), with the assistance of the Lincoln County Crash Team, is continuing the investigation into Wednesday morning’s single vehicle fatal traffic crash that occurred off Highway 101 about three miles south of Depoe Bay in Lincoln County. The crash resulted in the death of an adult female.  On March 19, 2014 at approximately 8:40 a.m., a witness traveling southbound on Highway 101 near milepost 130 reported a car passed their vehicle southbound at a high rate of speed, traveling off the highway and through a wide turnout where it went off a cliff. The 2008 Saturn Vue sport utility vehicle was spotted resting approximately 250 feet below on rocks near the surf line.  Emergency responders from Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Depoe Bay Fire District, Pac West Ambulance, and Oregon State Police responded to the scene and confirmed the vehicle contained a deceased adult female who was ejected. A rope rescue team consisting of personnel from Yachats, Central Coast, Newport, Toledo and North Lincoln Fire & Rescue were called out to reach the victim below. The U.S. Coast Guard responded with a helicopter and boat resources to help. Their helicopter moved the victim up to the highway.  The victim is identified as ADRIANA STAR RUIZ, age 23, from Lincoln City.