Serious Accident on Central Coast, July 6

OSP Troopers are continuing their investigation of Friday evening’s crash that partially closed HWY 101 for hours. On July 3, 2015 at about 6:40PM, OSP Troopers and emergency vehicles responded to the report of a three vehicle crash on HWY 101 near milepost 129 (south of Depoe Bay). According to Sergeant Cari Boyd, a 2002 Ford F150, operated by James M GILDERSLEEVE, age 52, of Waldport, was traveling northbound on HWY 101 when for unknown reasons crossed the centerline. GILDERSLEEVE’s vehicle struck two southbound vehicles. GILDERSLEEVE was the only occupant in his vehicle. GILDERSLEEVE was taken by air ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis with serious injuries. The first vehicle it struck was a 2013 Toyota RAV4, operated by Mark JACKSON, age 51, of Newberg. JACKSON’s vehicle was struck on the driver’s side which caused it to spin around and come to rest blocking both directions of traffic. JACKSON had three occupants in his vehicle. One of these passengers, Tina JACKSON, age 44, was transported to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport with moderate injuries. The second vehicle GILDERSLEEVE struck was a 2014 Dodge Pickup, operated by Ryan M VALDEZ, age 43, of Newberg. VALDEZ had three occupants in his vehicle. VALDEZ was transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital with moderate injuries. Hwy 101 was restricted to one lane of travel for approximately 6 hours. OSP-Newport was assisted by Newport Fire, Depoe Bay Fire, Oregon Department of Transportation, Pac-West Ambulance, Reach Air Ambulance, TCB-Security, OSP-Albany, OSP-McMinnville, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.