By Crash News Writer 
Clatsop County, OR (September 16, 2026) – Ronald Gregory Smith, 76, of Tillamook, was killed and passenger Marie Schmitt, 56, suffered serious injuries in a two-vehicle crash Saturday morning, September 12. The accident occurred at approximately 9:09 a.m. on Highway 101 near milepost 26.
According to the Oregon State Police, Smith was driving a light blue Ford Explorer northbound when the SUV sideswiped a black Toyota Highlander. The Ford then crossed the southbound lane, left the roadway, and struck an embankment and several trees. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Schmitt, who was riding in the Ford, was seriously injured and flown to a Portland-area hospital. The Toyota driver, Ronald Francis Smith, 84, of Seaside, was not injured. Investigators said witness statements and evidence indicated Ronald Gregory Smith may have experienced a medical emergency shortly before the crash. Highway 101 was affected for approximately five hours.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Accident Today
Fatal and serious injury crashes can leave families facing medical costs, funeral expenses, lost income, insurance disputes, and questions about their legal rights. Reviewing car accident laws in Oregon can provide general information about legal issues that may arise following a serious or deadly motor vehicle accident.
Taking legal action promptly can be important because evidence may become harder to obtain as time passes. Photographs, witness statements, medical documentation, vehicle records, roadway evidence, and a car accident report can help establish the circumstances surrounding a collision. An attorney may assist with obtaining records, reviewing insurance policies, evaluating damages, and identifying legal deadlines.
People searching for a car accident near me or car accident near Clatsop County may benefit from discussing their circumstances with legal counsel. This can be particularly important when an accident involves both fatal and serious injuries. Those researching a car accident near me or car accident near Clatsop County should consider seeking individualized advice concerning medical bills, lost income, insurance coverage, wrongful death issues, and other losses arising from a crash.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information in this article is based on initial reports from authorities and may change as investigators continue reviewing the accident. The people involved in this crash were identified in the initial report as Ronald Gregory Smith, Marie Schmitt, and Ronald Francis Smith.
Readers looking for general information about accident claims can review frequently asked questions in Oregon. Further investigative findings regarding the reported possible medical emergency or other circumstances surrounding the collision may be released as they become available.
Victims and families can also review accident resources in Oregon for information related to the aftermath of a serious or fatal accident.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know has been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.
Anyone affected by a fatal or serious injury accident should call an attorney as soon as possible to discuss their rights and available legal options. An Oregon personal injury lawyer can review the circumstances and explain possible next steps.