LINCOLN COUNTY, OR - The Oregon State Police are reporting that on Monday, July 1, 2024, at 6:35 p.m., OSP responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy-20, near milepost 30, in Lincoln County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Toyota Rav4, operated by Jose Manuel Zapata (29) of Portland, attempted to pass a Dodge Ram 2500 with a trailer, operated by Raphael Francis Spielman (78) of Gaston, and struck and eastbound Acura TL, operated by Scott Thomas Novotny (34) of Newport.
The collision caused all three vehicles to come to an uncontrolled rest along the highway.
The operator of the Toyota (Zapata), who is not believed to be wearing a seatbelt, was declared deceased at the scene.
The passenger in the Toyota, Joseph Mauricio Cruz (31) of Portland, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
The operator of the Acura (Novotny) was transported to an area hospital where they were declared deceased.
The operator of the Dodge (R. Spielman) and passenger, Janice Kay Spielman (75) of Gaston, were transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is believed to be unsafe passing.
OSP was assisted by Toledo Fire and ODOT.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
