Astoria, OR – A fatal crash occurred on Saturday afternoon involving two motorcycles and a GMC Sierra SUV on Highway 101 near milepost 32. The incident took place around 3:45 p.m. and claimed the life of one motorcyclist.
According to the Oregon State Police (OSP), the two motorcyclists, identified as Wesley Dalton Leraas, 30, and Daniel Walter Whitehouse, 45, were attempting to pass another vehicle while traveling northbound on the highway. As they navigated a curve, a southbound GMC Sierra, driven by an unidentified individual, came into view. In an attempt to avoid a collision, the motorcyclists swerved back into the northbound lane, but they collided with each other.
Leraas lost control of his motorcycle and crashed head-on into the GMC Sierra. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Whitehouse, although momentarily losing control of his bike, was able to correct his trajectory and re-enter the northbound lane without further incident.
The driver and passengers inside the GMC Sierra were unharmed in the crash. Neither Whitehouse nor the people in the GMC sustained injuries.
The incident is still under investigation by OSP, and further details are expected to be released as authorities continue their work.
