News Release from Oregon State Police
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.
