Oregon State Police
LINCOLN COUNTY, OR – On Saturday, June 7, 2025, at about 3:31 p.m., Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to a four-vehicle crash on Highway 101 in Lincoln County near Lincoln City.
The preliminary investigation indicated a white Chevrolet Spark, operated by Paula Babcock (69) of Donald, was traveling northbound on Hwy. 101 near milepost 119 when it left the lane of travel and sideswiped a southbound white Tesla S, operated by Robert Gates (57) of Salem. The Chevrolet then collided with a southbound blue GMC Yukon, operated by Mary McCarthy (62) of Lincoln City. After it was struck, the Tesla entered the northbound lane and collided with a black Kia Sorento, operated by Diane Rodriguez (65) of Lincoln City.
The operator of the Chevrolet (Babcock) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Kia (Rodriguez) and a passenger, James Rodriguez (76) of Lincoln City, were transported to an area hospital with reported minor injuries.
The operator of the GMC (McCarthy) had reported minor injuries.
The operator of the Tesla (Gates) and a passenger, Alena Gates (41) of Salem, had reported minor injuries.
The highway was impacted for approximately seven hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln City Police Department, Depoe Bay Fire Department, North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, PacWest Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
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