2 People Die Days After 3-Car Crash On Highway 101

WHEELER, OR — Two people have died from injuries sustained in a three-car crash west of Wheeler on Highway 101 March 27.

William Burr, 85, of Garibaldi, and D. Gordon Rognlien, 83, of Wheeler, both died while being treated at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland; Burr passed away April 3, and Rognlien passed away April 5.

The passenger in Burr's vehicle at the time of the crash, 78-year-old Rockaway Beach resident Carolyn Colbert, is still recovering from her injuries at Legacy Emanuel Hospital.

According to Oregon State Police, the three-car collision occurred just around 1:30 p.m. March 27 when Rognlien, driving north on Highway 101 in a green 2001 Ford Explorer, crossed into the southbound lane on a sharp curve between mileposts Z45 and Z46.

Rognlien, the sole occupant in his vehicle, first struck head-on a southbound red 2014 GMC Terrain SUV occupied by Burr and Colbert.

Following the GMC south in a tan 2016 Buick Enclave, Michael and Sandra Wilkins of Portland, both 64, reportedly collided with both vehicles.

Rognlien, Burr, and Colbert were all initially taken to Tillamook Regional Medical Center before Rognlien and Burr were transported to OHSU; Colbert was later taken to Emanuel.

Images via Oregon State Police