Tragic Three-Vehicle Crash on Highway 20 Claims One Life in Lincoln County
LINCOLN COUNTY, OR — A devastating multi-vehicle collision in Lincoln County early Thursday morning has claimed the life of one driver and left two others injured. The Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to the crash, which occurred at approximately 7:07 a.m. on April 17, 2025, along Highway 20 near milepost 4—a winding and often fog-shrouded stretch of road just outside Newport.
According to OSP’s preliminary investigation, the crash involved three vehicles traveling in opposing directions during the early morning commute. Investigators report that a GMC Terrace, driven by 42-year-old Heather Maria Paz Hosey of Newport, was traveling eastbound when, for reasons yet to be determined, it crossed over the centerline into the path of oncoming traffic.
The GMC collided head-on with a westbound Dodge Journey, driven by 46-year-old Ruston Lee Thommen of Halsey. The impact was severe. As a result of the collision, the GMC spun and was then struck by a Dodge Dakota, driven by 19-year-old Christian Layfield Sagrero of Newport, who had been following closely behind the Dodge Journey.
The Dodge Journey, severely damaged by the initial impact, caught fire moments after the crash and was quickly engulfed in flames. Despite the intensity of the blaze, Thommen was able to escape from the vehicle before it became fully consumed. He was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries of unknown severity.
Tragically, Heather Hosey, the driver of the GMC Terrace, was pronounced dead at the scene. First responders worked to free her from the wreckage, but their efforts were ultimately in vain. Her sudden passing has left the Newport community mourning the loss of a woman described by neighbors as kind-hearted and deeply involved in local volunteer efforts.
Sagrero, the 19-year-old driver of the Dodge Dakota, sustained what were described as minor injuries. He was transported to a hospital for evaluation and is expected to recover fully. Authorities have not indicated whether charges or citations are being considered as part of the ongoing investigation.
Highway 20 was shut down for approximately three hours while emergency personnel conducted the on-scene investigation, cleared the wreckage, and ensured that the area was safe for public travel. Traffic was rerouted during this time, causing delays for morning commuters.
The Oregon State Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. At this stage, no definitive conclusions have been drawn about what caused Hosey to veer into oncoming traffic. Weather conditions, mechanical failure, and possible driver impairment are among the factors being explored. Toxicology results and vehicle inspections are pending.
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by even a brief lapse on Oregon’s winding and often unpredictable rural highways. Authorities urge drivers to remain vigilant, adhere to speed limits, and avoid distractions, especially during early morning hours when visibility can be low and traffic conditions uncertain.
The Oregon State Police extended their condolences to the family and loved ones of Heather Hosey and encouraged anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have relevant dashcam footage to contact investigators.
As this story develops, further information regarding the conditions of the surviving drivers and any additional findings from the investigation will be made public.