On Monday, January 10th, 2022 at approximately 8:51 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a motor vehicle crash on Hwy 30 near milepost 59.
Preliminary investigation revealed an eastbound white 2021 Toyota Camry, operated by Austin Nash (28) of Rainier, lost control while negotiating a curve and slid into the oncoming lane, colliding head-on with a black Ford Explorer, operated by Brendan Smith (29) of Clatskanie.
Nash suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Smith remained at the scene.
Highway 30 was closed for 3 hours following the crash.
OSP was assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia River Fire & Rescue and ODOT.