COLUMBIA COUNTY, OR - The Oregon State Police (OSP) is reporting that on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 8:08 a.m., OSP responded to a three-vehicle crash on Hwy-30, near milepost 51, in Columbia County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound gray Kia Soul, operated by Bridget Ann Connell (54) of Scappoose, was attempting to make a left hand turn into Valley Veterinary Clinic when it was rear ended by a westbound white GMC Sierra, operated by William Eugene Howard (56) of Rainier. The collision pushed the Kia into the eastbound lane where it was struck head-on by an eastbound black Dodge Journey, operated by Jennifer Lynn Huff (33) of Westport.
The operator of the Kia (B. Connell) and passenger, Nyx Ariel Connell (47) of Scappoose, were declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the GMC (Howard) suffered reported minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital.
The operator of the Dodge (Huff) and passengers, a six year old male and ten year old female, suffered reported minor injuries and were transported to an area hospital.
The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Columbia River Fire and Medic, and ODOT.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
