Yamhill County, OR (December 03, 2024) – A tragic two-vehicle accident occurred on Sunday, December 1, on Hwy 18 near McDougall Rd in Yamhill County. The crash involved a Mercury Grand Marquis and a Chevrolet Bounder RV, leaving one person dead and a child injured. According to Oregon State Police, the accident occurred when 45-year-old Francisco Nava of Newberg lost control of the Mercury Grand Marquis as he turned onto westbound Hwy 18 from Hwy 99. The vehicle then spun into oncoming traffic, where it was struck by a Chevrolet Bounder RV driven by 45-year-old Terra Wippert of Browning, Montana.
Tragically, Nava succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A five-year-old girl, also in the Mercury, sustained minor injuries and was treated by emergency responders. Fortunately, the 15-year-old girl and 3-year-old boy traveling in the RV were unharmed. Wippert, the driver of the RV, was not injured in the collision.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and authorities have not yet confirmed whether any charges will be filed.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased victim. We also hope the wounded individuals recover rapidly.
Fatal Accidents in Oregon
Fatal accidents like the one on Hwy 18 are a stark reminder of the dangers present on the road, especially on highways where high-speed traffic can result in catastrophic outcomes. While the details of this crash are still under investigation, it highlights the importance of safe driving practices and remaining vigilant, particularly when navigating intersections and transitions from smaller roads to highways.
Local Accident Reports urges all drivers to exercise caution when navigating highways and to be particularly careful when entering busy roads from smaller streets. Defensive driving and remaining alert can help reduce the risk of accidents and their often tragic consequences.
Stay informed by following official updates from the Oregon State Police regarding this ongoing investigation.
