COOS COUNTY, Ore. – A fatal crash on Highway 101 Monday night left one woman dead and another man seriously injured, according to the Oregon State Police (OSP).
At approximately 6:30 p.m., a 79-year-old woman, identified as Judy Marie Scharf of Bandon, was driving a Ford Ranger northbound just outside of Coos Bay. For reasons still under investigation, Scharf’s vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with a southbound Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 71-year-old man from Sixes.
Scharf was pronounced dead at the scene, while the male driver of the Silverado was transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. Authorities have not yet released his name or further details about his condition.
The Oregon State Police were assisted at the scene by Bandon Fire, Green Acres Fire, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. The crash caused significant disruption on the highway, which was closed for approximately two hours while emergency crews worked to clear the scene and investigate.
OSP has not yet provided any additional information on what led to the accident. The investigation is ongoing.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers on Oregon’s highways, particularly in areas with heavy traffic. Authorities urge drivers to remain cautious and alert when traveling on Highway 101 and other major roadways.