Two separate crashes on Oregon highways Monday killed two people and seriously injured a third.
Around 6:30 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 101 near milepost 247 in Coos County.
The preliminary investigation showed that a northbound Ford Ranger, driven by 79-year-old Judy Marie Scharf of Bandon, crossed into the southbound lanes for unknown reasons and collided nearly head-on with a southbound Chevrolet Silverado, operated by 71-year-old James Earl Yost of Sixes.
Scharf was declared dead at the scene, while Yost suffered serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.
The highway slowed for about two hours during the investigation.
Just over an hour later, at 7:46 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Oregon 66, near milepost 53, in Klamath County. The preliminary investigation indicated that a westbound Mini Cooper, driven by 45-year-old William Matthew McFall of Klamath Falls, crossed over the center line, exited the roadway from the eastbound lane, and struck a tree. McFall was taken to an area hospital, where he was later declared dead.
The highway slowed for approximately 30 minutes during the investigation. Both crashes remain under investigation by the Oregon State Police.
Generative AI was used to draft this story based on data provided by the Oregon State Police. It was reviewed and edited by The Oregonian/OregonLive.
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