September 17, 2024 2:45 p.m. 

Covering coastal Douglas County:

A Washington State woman died in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 101 near milepost 202, about 10 miles north of Reedsport, on Friday night at approximately 6:45 p.m.

An Oregon State Police report released Tuesday afternoon, said the preliminary investigation was that a pickup, operated by 26-year-old Robin Bihm of Coos Bay, failed to negotiate a left-hand curve. The vehicle traveled onto the southbound shoulder, overcorrected back onto the roadway, and entered the northbound lane. The pickup struck a northbound pickup, driven by 72-year-old Alan Mcilhenny of Tonasket, Washington, head on.

The operator of the first pickup suffered reported serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

One occupant of the second pickup, 76-year-old Margaret Ann Wells, also of Tonasket, was declared deceased after transport to an area hospital. The driver of the second vehicle and both passengers, 79-year-old James Wells and 74-year-old Barbara Mcilhenny suffered serious injuries and were also taken to the hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Impairment is considered a primary cause at this time.

OSP was assisted by Gardiner Fire, Reedsport Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation.