Cathlamet, WA (June 21, 2026) – One man died, and three other people were injured late on Friday, June 19, after a head-on collision on State Route 4 near milepost 4. The accident was reported shortly after 9:24 p.m. on the rural two-lane road near Cathlamet.
The man who died was identified as 41-year-old Vance R. Baldwin of Castle Rock. The other vehicle was driven by 55-year-old Todd D. Wilson of Cathlamet.
Wilson and two passengers, Mason D. Wilson and Nicole S. Wilson, were taken to hospitals in Washington and Oregon. At least one person was flown to Portland for treatment.
Troopers said one vehicle crossed the center line and struck the oncoming vehicle head-on. Negligent driving was listed as a preliminary cause of the crash.
The vehicles involved were a 2011 Chevrolet Aveo and a 2015 GMC Savanna. Both were totaled, and one blocked the westbound lane while the road remained closed. The fatal case remains under review as investigators continue documenting what happened.
We extend our condolences to Baldwin’s loved ones and hope the three people hurt can recover.
Why Center-Line Crashes on Rural Highways Can Be Severe
Center-line crashes on rural highways can be especially dangerous because vehicles usually travel in opposite directions with little space between them. When one vehicle crosses into an oncoming lane, drivers may have only seconds to react.
Two-lane roads can also have limited shoulders, curves, hills, or darker stretches at night. These factors may make it harder to recover after drifting out of a lane or avoiding another vehicle.
Head-on accidents frequently cause serious harm because the force comes from both vehicles moving toward each other. Seatbelts, airbags, and safer vehicle designs can reduce some injuries, but they cannot remove all risk. Long road closures may follow when damaged vehicles block travel lanes or medical flights are needed.
