Update- Kennewick woman suspected of injuring cyclist near OR coast
Oregon State Police
Update- The Vehicle Driver's name has been released, 78 year old Wanda Cortese of Kennewick, WA. The bicyclist remains in critical condition.
Original Story-
Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into a critical injury bicycle-involved traffic crash that occurred Saturday afternoon along Highway 101 south of Cannon Beach. The names of the bicyclist and vehicle driver will be released Sunday.
According to OSP, at approximately 1:24 p.m. Saturday, a 35-year old female riding a road bicycle was trailing her husband who was riding another bicycle traveling northbound on the shoulder of Highway 101 near milepost 35. A 2006 Dodge Caravan driven by a 78-year old woman from Kennewick, Washington, drifted onto the northbound shoulder and struck the woman's bicycle from behind. The woman bicyclist was ejected and came to rest on the northbound shoulder. Her husband was ahead and returned back to the scene when she didn't catch up to where he was waiting.
The critically injured woman was transported by LifeFlight to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center for treatment. She was wearing a protective helmet.
The Dodge Caravan driver and her passenger/husband were not injured.
OSP troopers from the Astoria Area Command office are continuing the investigation. A decision on enforcement action is pending. Traffic was heavy and there were several witnesses contacted for statements. There is no evidence that drugs or alcohol were contributing factors.
Traffic was restricted to one lane for 4 hours.
OSP was assisted at the scene by Cannon Beach Police Department, Cannon Beach Fire Department, Medix Ambulance, and ODOT.