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On Friday, February 28 at 5:22 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 18, nine miles east of Otis. The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Dodge Ram 1500, operated by 64-year old Mark Joseph Sutherland of Portland, failed to drive within its lane and entered the eastbound lane of travel. A Toyota Rav4, operated by 27-year old Tayler Harrell of Poplarville (MS), was traveling within the eastbound lane when it was sideswiped by the Dodge. A Chevrolet Suburban, operated by 34-year old Brandon Lavon Gilman of Willamina, was traveling within the eastbound lane when the Dodge collided with it head-on.
The operator of the Dodge (Sutherland) was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Toyota (Harrell) was transported to an area hospital with reported minror injuries.
The operator of the Chevrolet (Gilman) was transported to an emergency medical center by Lifeflight with serious injuries. The highway was impacted for approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes. OSP was assisted by the Lincoln County Medical Examiner's Office, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln City Police Department, North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, Pacific West Ambulance and ODOT.
