Oregon State Police (OSP), with the assistance of Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office and Tillamook County District Attorney’s Office, are continuing the investigation into Thursday afternoon’s two vehicle fatal crash that occurred on Highway 101 about three miles north of Cloverdale in Tillamook County. One driver died and the other driver was arrested. The victim’s name is released in this update as well as added information related to the offending driver also being charged with Manslaughter in the Second Degree and DUII. According to Lieutenant Justin McGladrey, on October 23, 2014 at approximately 3:07 p.m., a 1997 Ford Ranger pickup driven by CHRISTOPHER ALLEN FITCH, age 21, from Beaverton, was northbound on Highway 101 near Old Condor Bridge Road about milepost 84. As the pickup negotiated a right curve at a high rate of speed, it crossed the double solid centerline and collided nearly head-on with a southbound 2001 Ford Taurus four-door. The pickup came to rest on its right side near the center of the highway. The car came to rest off the southbound shoulder of the highway. The Ford Taurus driver, GERALD DEE WILL, age 70, from Cloverdale, was pronounced deceased at the scene. FITCH, who was driving on a suspended license, received minor injury and was later arrested by OSP. As part of the investigation, OSP learned FITCH was on probation for DUII out of Clackamas County and during the evening confirmed alcohol was believed to be a contributing factor. In consultation with the Tillamook County District Attorney’s Office, FITCH was lodged in the Tillamook County Jail for Manslaughter in the Second Degree, DUII and and Reckless Driving.
