Willamina High School Student Killed and Three Injured in Crash

(WILLAMINA, Ore.) - One person died and three others, all Willamina High School students, were injured Wednesday morning during a crash involving their pickup and a commercial truck on Highway 22 about one mile west of Valley Junction.

About 8:36 AM today, a Ford Ranger extended cab pickup driven by 18-year old Anthony Thomas Gorretta, from Grand Ronde, was eastbound on Highway 22 negotiating a right curve when it lost control and crossed the center line, according to Oregon State Police.

The pickup collided with a westbound commercial truck driven by 38-year old Raybon Dean Thompson, from Cloverdale. Thompson was using safety restraints and was not injured.

The pickup's right rear passenger, 18-year old Tamara L. Coila, was pronounced deceased at the scene. She was using safety restraints. Coila reportedly attended Canby High School before entering Willamina High School for her senior year.

Anthony Gorretta was transported by ground ambulance to Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville where he was treated and released for minor injuries. He was using safety restraints.

Right front passenger, 14-year old Vincent Gorretta, was transported by LifeFlight to Oregon Health Sciences University with serious injuries. He was using safety restraints.

Left rear passenger, 17-year old Jeff Haggard, from Grand Ronde, was transported by REACH air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Hospital with serious injuries. He was using safety restraints.

OSP troopers from the McMinnville Area Command office are continuing the investigation. No enforcement action has been taken.

ODOT, West Valley Fire & Rescue, and Sheridan Fire Department assisted at the scene. Highway 22 was closed until about 1:30 PM.

Salem-News.com Top Stories

2025: Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Two Wars with No Way Out

No One Owns the Future

The Ugly Origins of Trump's America First Policy

A One-State Solution Could Transform the World

Comments Leave a comment on this story.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

laurenn. October 21, 2009 6:58 am (Pacific time)

im soo sorry...this is very tragicc...:(

Anonymous September 28, 2009 12:19 am (Pacific time)

I was really close friends with Kahea and having her gone breaks my heart. I miss her everyday. I pray for her every night when I go to bed. I will never forget her beautiful smile

Hannah October 19, 2008 2:26 pm (Pacific time)

Kahea was one of my best friends, she is truly missed. its hard not to see her smiling face every day. i love her with all my heart and know she's watching over those she loved

Anonymous September 29, 2008 6:42 pm (Pacific time)

if i could go back in time and fix the crash so she could be with her family i would

leff September 27, 2008 1:32 pm (Pacific time)

i was in the accienednt and kahea was my gf and she was the most wonderful person i ever met and had so much to offer this world she will b 4ever missed

Alisha September 26, 2008 9:25 pm (Pacific time)

I worked with Kahea she has to be the nicest person I ever met full of life and love we all love her and miss her dearly.

Roger & Sue September 23, 2008 5:48 pm (Pacific time)

In the short time we new you we loved you. you will be deeply missed.Our hearts are sadden by this tradgity.To the other families involved We are also sorry for you. KAHEA, ALOHA my little friend

Julie September 20, 2008 12:19 pm (Pacific time)

My deepest condolences, there is no greater loss than this. Our thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends of all these kids. God Bless you and give you comfort in his strength.

Anonymous September 19, 2008 8:19 pm (Pacific time)

well i herd from a friend that talked to Vincent Gorretta that the article wasnt written correctly vince was sitting behind his brother and Tamara L. Coila was sitting in the passenger side and jeff was sitting in the rear passenger

Dawn September 19, 2008 7:36 pm (Pacific time)

Kahea, always made the best out of the bad, was full of life and will be forever missed. I will never forget her smile. She will always have a place in my heart.

Aubre September 18, 2008 12:10 pm (Pacific time)

I just wanted to say Kahea (tamara) was the nicest person you could ever meet and she was also the strongest. Jeff loves her very much and I hope we can all pray for him to recover.

Anonymous September 18, 2008 10:15 am (Pacific time)

Jefferson August 26, 2008, Tillamook September 12, 2008 and now this tragic crash.....would like to know why it seems to be the right rear passenger that dies. My condolances to the family....Being the Mother of Rebeckah-Jo Crisman-Tanner whom passed in the August 26, 2008 car crash, I know your pain.

[Return to Top]

Willamina High School Student Killed and Three Injured in Crash

Quick Links

DINING

MUST SEE SALEM

AUCTIONS - APPRAISALS

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

ONLINE SHOPPING

Advertise with Salem-News