Hillsboro Woman Dies in Single-Vehicle Crash on Highway 42S in Coos County

A 56-year-old Hillsboro woman died Monday afternoon after her vehicle crashed down an embankment and caught fire on Highway 42S in Coos County, according to Oregon State Police.

The crash occurred on November 2, 2026, at approximately 2:34 p.m. near milepost 13.8, near Coquille.

The preliminary investigation determined that a black Subaru Outback, driven by Joanne Marie Rutland, 56, of Hillsboro, was traveling westbound when it failed to navigate a sharp curve and left the roadway.

The vehicle traveled down an embankment, struck a tree, and continued down a steep embankment before coming to rest. The Subaru subsequently caught fire.

Rutland was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately 30 minutes while emergency responders conducted their investigation.

The Oregon State Police were assisted by the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Coquille Fire Department, and Oregon Department of Transportation.