A 76-year-old Tillamook man was killed Saturday morning in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 101 in Clatsop County, according to Oregon State Police.
The crash happened at about 9:09 a.m. Sept. 12 near milepost 26.
Police said Ronald Gregory Smith, 76, of Tillamook, was driving a light blue Ford Explorer northbound on Highway 101 when he used the right shoulder to pass a black Toyota Highlander traveling in the same direction. The Ford sideswiped the Highlander before returning to the northbound lane.
The Ford then crossed the southbound lane and traveled onto the shoulder, where it struck an embankment and several trees.
Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Toyota Highlander, Ronald Francis Smith, 84, of Seaside, was not injured.
A passenger in the Ford, Marie Schmitt, 56, of Tillamook, suffered serious injuries and was flown to a Portland-area hospital.
Investigators said witness statements and other evidence indicated Ronald Gregory Smith may have experienced a medical emergency immediately before the crash.
Highway 101 was affected for approximately five hours while emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene.
Oregon State Police were assisted by Cannon Beach Fire Department, Medix Ambulance Services, Cannon Beach Police Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
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