Fatal Highway Crashes in Clatsop and Josephine Counties Prompt Renewed Focus on Road Safety

Clatsop County, Oregon | April 10, 2024

Multi-Vehicle Collision on Hwy 101 Leaves One Dead, Four Injured

A serious three-vehicle collision on Highway 101 near milepost 13 in Clatsop County resulted in the death of one passenger and left four others injured on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. The crash occurred around 12:43 p.m. and involved a southbound Toyota Sienna, a northbound Dodge Ram 1500, and a southbound Kia Soul.

According to the Oregon State Police, the Toyota Sienna, driven by David Timothy Schalk Jr., 53, of Astoria, attempted to pass stopped traffic by crossing the double yellow line into the northbound lane. The vehicle collided with a guardrail, ricocheted back into oncoming traffic, and struck the Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Marti Ree Lindhorst, 68, of Salem. The impact caused the Dodge Ram to roll into the southbound lane, colliding with a Kia Soul driven by Tara Lynne Ragan, 55, of Astoria.

Kaleb Allen Shaffer, 48, of Warrenton, a passenger in the Toyota Sienna, was pronounced deceased at the scene. All other drivers and at least one passenger were transported to local hospitals with injuries.

The incident closed the highway for approximately 5.5 hours as emergency responders—including the Gearhart Police Department, Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, Warrenton Fire, and Oregon Department of Transportation—assisted with the investigation and cleanup.

From a legal perspective, the circumstances suggest potential liability related to unlawful passing and reckless driving. In cases involving serious injury or death caused by negligence, victims and their families may be entitled to pursue personal injury or wrongful death claims. The fact that the Toyota crossed into the oncoming lane and initiated the sequence of collisions may be a key factor in determining fault and liability.

Josephine County, Oregon | April 8, 2024

Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash on Hwy 260 Claims Two Lives

Earlier in the week, on Monday, April 8, 2024, a single-vehicle crash on Highway 260 near milepost 20 in Josephine County resulted in the deaths of both the driver and passenger. The Oregon State Police responded to the scene at approximately 6:05 p.m.

The crash involved an eastbound Dodge Ram 2500 driven by David Scott Anderson, 39, of Wilderville. For reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the roadway, struck several trees, and overturned. Both Anderson and his passenger, Shelby Mckenzie Spliethof, 28, also of Wilderville, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The highway was closed for around three hours during the on-scene investigation.

Single-vehicle accidents, while sometimes caused by external factors such as road conditions or wildlife, often raise important legal questions surrounding negligence, mechanical failure, or even driver impairment. When a passenger is fatally injured in such an incident, their surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death claim, depending on the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Legal and Safety Considerations

Both of these fatal incidents underscore the continued importance of road safety and responsible driving on Oregon’s highways. Improper passing, inattentiveness, or other forms of negligent driving can have devastating consequences.

In Oregon, victims of motor vehicle accidents—whether involving multiple vehicles or single-car incidents—may have legal options available, including claims for car accident injuries and wrongful death. It is critical that victims or their families consult with experienced legal professionals to understand their rights and the potential for compensation.

Pacific Injury Law Firm is committed to supporting Oregon residents who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones due to motor vehicle accidents. If you or someone you know has been affected by a similar incident, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation or call us at 971-277-3811.

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Sources:

• Portland Police Bureau (Clatsop County Crash) (opens in a new tab)
• Portland Police Bureau (Josephine County Crash) (opens in a new tab)