Two-vehicle collision closes Hwy 101 for two hours

Two vehicles collided on U.S. Highway 101 near Meyers Creek Viewpoint. The front vehicle was driven by James Steinmetz of Port Orford and the vehicle in the rear contained the driver, Trudy Hunt of Brookings and passenger Dennis Hunt.

U.S. Highway 101 was closed on June 28 for approximately two hours following the collision.

Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper Robin Katter was patrolling on U.S. Highway 101 near Myers Creek viewpoint when she approached the scene of a collision that had just occurred.

OSP troopers, along with the Curry County Sheriff’s Department, and Gold Beach Fire Department responded.

Cal-Ore Life Flight medics also responded to treat the three victims.

It was later learned that Steinmetz, 29, was traveling north on U.S. Highway 101 when he fell asleep and crossed into oncoming traffic where he struck another vehicle driven by Hunt, 48.

Dennis Hunt, 72, was trapped inside the southbound vehicle, according to OSP Sergeant Dave Aydelotte.

Gold Beach Fire Department was able to extricate Dennis Hunt after over an hour.

He was airlifted to Medford for further treatment.

Steinmetz was cited for careless driving.

 The current condition of individuals involved in the accident is unknown at the time of publication.