Lincoln City, OR (June 9, 2025) – A tragic multi-vehicle crash along Highway 101 near milepost 119 claimed the life of one woman and left five others injured on Saturday afternoon, according to the Oregon State Police (OSP).
The crash occurred just after 3:30 p.m. when a white Chevrolet Spark traveling northbound reportedly sideswiped a southbound white Tesla Model S. After the initial impact, the Chevrolet then collided head-on with a southbound blue GMC Yukon. Meanwhile, the Tesla, pushed out of its lane from the earlier impact, veered into the northbound lane where it collided with a black Kia Sorento.
Emergency personnel responded quickly to the scene. Despite their efforts, the driver of the Chevrolet Spark—identified as 69-year-old Paula Babcock of Donald, OR—was pronounced dead at the scene due to her injuries.
The drivers and passengers of the other vehicles involved sustained a range of minor injuries. All were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The identities of the other parties have not yet been released, and their conditions are not believed to be life-threatening.
Highway 101 was significantly impacted, with closure and traffic diversions in place for approximately seven hours as law enforcement officers and crash reconstruction specialists worked through the scene.
No further details have been made public at this time. The Oregon State Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
Our deepest sympathies are with the family of Paula Babcock, and we extend our well wishes for a speedy recovery to all others who were injured.
Fatal Collisions on Oregon’s Highway 101
Highway 101 is one of Oregon’s most scenic and heavily traveled coastal routes, but it also presents considerable safety challenges. With mixed-use traffic—including tourists, commuters, and freight—collisions on this winding, sometimes narrow highway can quickly escalate in severity. The crash near milepost 119 on Saturday illustrates the compounded risks of multi-vehicle incidents on a two-lane highway with limited maneuverability.
In this case, the initial sideswipe of the Tesla by the Chevrolet set off a chain reaction, causing additional head-on collisions. Events like these are often difficult to avoid once triggered, especially on highways without dividers between opposing lanes. The involvement of four different vehicles and the extended road closure underscore how complex and devastating such crashes can be.
Sadly, fatal crashes involving older drivers—like the 69-year-old woman in this incident—are not uncommon. Age-related factors such as slower reflexes, vision impairment, or fatigue can sometimes contribute to tragic outcomes, particularly on highways requiring quick judgment and spatial awareness.
For survivors, even so-called “minor” injuries can result in long-term complications, especially when trauma is distributed across multiple impacts as seen in this crash. Recovery often requires both physical and emotional support, as well as legal and financial guidance to handle insurance, treatment, and the repercussions of such a chaotic event.
Oregon’s state agencies continue to promote safety along Highway 101, yet accidents still occur at alarming rates. For those impacted, knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference in the days and weeks that follow.
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a multi-vehicle collision on Oregon’s highways, assistance is available.
Highway crashes can happen in seconds—but the consequences can last a lifetime. Local Accident Reports connects Oregon families with trusted help—from legal advice to recovery resources. Get answers, get support, and take the next steps toward healing. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you after a serious crash.