Tragic Three-Vehicle Crash on Highway 20 Claims One Life in Lincoln County
LINCOLN COUNTY, OR — A devastating three-vehicle crash on the morning of Thursday, April 17, 2025, has left one person dead and two others injured along a notoriously dangerous stretch of Highway 20, just outside of Newport, Oregon. The Oregon State Police (OSP) confirmed that Heather Maria Paz Hosey lost her life in the tragic accident, which occurred around 7:07 a.m. near milepost 4—a winding, often fog-shrouded portion of road where visibility can shift in an instant.
According to preliminary reports released by the OSP, the collision involved three vehicles traveling along Highway 20 during the early morning commute. Investigators believe that foggy weather and slick conditions may have contributed to the crash, which unfolded in a matter of seconds and caused extensive damage to all involved vehicles.
Emergency responders, including fire and medical crews from nearby Lincoln County agencies, rushed to the scene. Tragically, Heather Maria Paz Hosey, a driver involved in the collision, was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of her injuries. The other two drivers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Their names have not yet been released pending further investigation and family notifications.
Heather Paz Hosey’s death has left a community heartbroken. Friends and family remember her as a kind, compassionate woman, deeply connected to those around her and always ready with a warm smile. Tributes have begun pouring in online, describing her as a loving mother, friend, and colleague whose absence will be profoundly felt.
“She was full of light,” said a close family friend. “Heather had this rare way of making everyone around her feel seen and cared for. Her loss is immeasurable.”
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and OSP closed a significant portion of Highway 20 for several hours Thursday morning to investigate the scene and clear debris. Drivers in the area were detoured or asked to delay travel as investigators reconstructed the collision and surveyed the challenging road conditions that may have played a role in the tragic outcome.
Highway 20, particularly near milepost 4, is known among locals for its sharp curves and the persistent fog that can settle in unexpectedly due to the coastal climate. Over the years, safety advocates have called for additional signage, lighting improvements, and more proactive measures to prevent such tragedies. Thursday’s fatal crash has once again brought those concerns to the forefront.
In a public statement, the Oregon State Police extended their condolences to the Hosey family and emphasized the importance of safe driving, especially under hazardous conditions. They also urged witnesses to come forward with any additional information that may assist in the investigation.
“Even familiar roads can turn dangerous quickly,” an OSP spokesperson said. “We encourage everyone to drive with caution, especially during early morning hours when visibility and road conditions can change rapidly.”
The family of Heather Maria Paz Hosey is currently making funeral arrangements and has asked for privacy during this incredibly difficult time. A memorial service is expected to be announced in the coming days, and community members have already begun organizing support through local outreach and fundraising efforts.
As Lincoln County continues to mourn this heartbreaking loss, Thursday’s crash serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of rural highways and the unpredictable nature of Oregon’s coastal roads. It also reinforces the need for continued attention to infrastructure improvements and driver awareness on one of the region’s most frequently traveled — and most hazardous — routes.
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