On Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at approximately 11:39 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus tree crash on HWY 26, near milepost 15.5, in Clatsop County. The preliminary investigation indicated a severe weather event caused a large diameter tree to fall onto an eastbound silver Ford F-150, operated by Justin Nolasco Pedraza (19) of Seaside. It was determined the tree fell directly onto the Ford F150 roof as it was passing by. The operator and passengers, Bonifacio Olvera Nolasco (41) of Seaside and a 4 year old female, all suffered fatal injuries during the collision and were discovered deceased upon the arrival of first responders. The investigation was hindered by the weather, fallen tree, and safety concerns. The highway was closed for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by the Hamlet Fire Department, Elsie Vinemaple Fire, the County Medical Examiners’ Office, and ODOT.
