Ashlee Christine Hayden Killed, Victor Loreza, Jose Soto Hernandez, Jesus Vargas Gerardo Injured in Truck Accident in Lincoln County, OR
Lincoln County, OR -- March 15, 2023, Ashlee Christine Hayden was killed and Victor Loreza, Jose Soto Hernandez, and Jesus Vargas Gerardo were injured following a truck accident.
Authorities with the Oregon State Police said that the incident occurred at around 3:30 p.m. along Highway 101 in the area of mile marker 152.
Initial details say that 32-year-old Ashlee Hayden was in a Subaru going southbound along the highway. Police believe that vehicle went over the center line where it crashed head-on with a Chevy box truck.
Due to the crash, Hayden sustained fatal injuries. Three people in the truck had apparently serious injuries. They were 40-year-old Victor Loreza, 38-year-old Jose Soto Hernandez, and 40-year-old Jesus Vargas Gerardo.
Right now, the factors leading up to the crash remain under investigation. A serious crash like this is rarely going to be wrapped up that quickly, though, so a lack of clear answers isn't all that surprising. My concern is whether or not the victims and families will have the answers they deserve weeks or even months from now.
It would shock people to see how often authorities let important details slip through the cracks. With a crash this serious, though, there are all kinds of complex possible factors to consider. Were there mechanical issues? Medical conditions? Road design flaws? Vehicle defects or faulty seatbelts or airbags? Road hazards? Some other driver that left the scene?
Many authorities are perfectly capable of getting these answers and many others that make up a proper truck wreck reconstruction. The problem, however, is their departments aren't always on the same page. If they don't consider accident reconstruction as a high priority, then important information could slip through the cracks as authorities lack the tools and time to ensure those details are preserved.
With current reports saying both OSP and the Lincoln County Sheriff's office are handling things here, my hope is that between the departments there will be enough time, manpower, and resources to get the victims and families here the answers they deserve.
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