Crash Kills Willamina Man on Highway 18 East of Lincoln City

This was the first of several fatal crashes in Oregon today.

Crash scene on Highway 18 this morning Photo by: Bonnie King

(ROSE LODGE, Ore.) - Oregon State Police are investigating the death of a 37-year old man Monday morning who lost control of his car and rolled off Highway 18 into Salmon River about 8 miles northeast of Lincoln City.

Photo: Oregon State Police

The driver has been identified as 37-year old Stephen Matthew Petreaca of Willamina. His family ahs been notified. State troopers say that Monday at approximately 5:50 AM, a 1993 Infinity four-door driven by Mr. Petreaca was westbound on Highway 18 near milepost 6 negotiating a sweeping left curve when it began to slide sideways and rolled at least once.

Investigators say the car rolled off the highway, through brush and landed on its top on a large rock in Salmon River.

The car then came to rest on its wheels in about six inches of water approximately 30 feet off the highway. The crash was reported by a passing log truck driver who spotted the car in the river.

Matthew Petreaca was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was using safety restraints.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Newport Area Command office are completing the investigation. Lincoln City Fire & Rescue and ODOT assisted at the scene.

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He was a friend and colleague, on his way to work... He will be missed.

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