On July 31, 2015 just after 7:00AM, OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a passenger vehicle versus a commercial vehicle on Highway 101 just south of Lincoln City. Preliminary information revealed a 2007 Kenworth dump truck loaded with gravel, operated by 42-year old Matthew Nelson of Lincoln City, turned north onto Highway 101 near milepost 121.

As the truck was accelerating, a northbound 2007 Saturn sedan collided with the back of it at highway speeds. Upon emergency crews arriving they found the operator of the Saturn, 53-year old Martin Sample, of Lincoln City deceased. Nelson was not injured and is cooperating with the investigation.

Initial investigation revealed there were no skid marks from Sample’s vehicle. It appeared he made no attempts stop or to steer around the truck. OSP was assisted by the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Depoe Bay Fire Department. This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released when it becomes available.

Information and photos provided by OSP