Two Die in Crash on Highway 101 South of Florence

Police aren't sure what caused an 18-year year old driver to lose control and cross into the oncoming lanes.

Photograph Source: Oregon State Police

(FLORENCE, Ore.) - Police say two Florence-area residents died Friday afternoon on Highway 101 south of Florence when their small pickup lost control and was struck broadside. Two others received non-life threatening injuries in the crash that is still under investigation by Oregon State Police.

OSP Trooper Justin Goldsmith says Friday at approximately 1:52 p.m. a 1985 Nissan pickup driven by 18-year old Montana Max Oetken of Florence, was northbound on Highway 101 near milepost 194 by the Sand Dune Frontier parking lot.

Police say for an unknown reason, Montana Oetken lost control and the pickup crossed into the southbound lane sideways were it was struck in the passenger side by a 1997 GMC Sierra pickup driven by 61-year old Dennis D. Jackson of Fairview, Oregon. Mr. Oetken and his right front passenger, 38-year old Bryan Robert Goodwin of Florence, were both pronounced deceased at the scene.

Jackson and his right front passenger, 73-year old Jeanett M. Right of Tigard, received non-life threatening injuries. Both were transported to Peace Harbor Medical Center by Western Lane Ambulance.

Safety restraint use information is not available.

Highway 101 was partially blocked for 4 1/2 hours during the investigation that is being continued by OSP troopers from the Florence work site.

Lane County Sheriff's Office, Siuslaw Valley Fire Department and ODOT assisted at the scene.