Fatal Crash On Hwy 26 - Clatsop County -02/10/21

On Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at approximately 10:07 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 26 near milepost 11.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Mercedes station wagon, operated by Walter Smith (21) of Pendleton,  was westbound when it lost control and slid sideways into the eastbound lanes and collided with a Toyota Tacoma operated by Natalie Swauger (30) of Seaside.

Smith and his passengers - Erick Fadness (20) of Decorah, Iowa and a 16 year old female from Portland, all sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased. 

Swauger was transported by air ambulance to a Portland hospital.

Speed is believed to be a contributing factor.

OSP was assisted by the Seaside Fire Department and ODOT.