A tragic scene unfolded on Highway 101 near Coos County when a collision claimed the life of an elderly woman and left another individual with serious injuries. According to a report by Oregon State Police, on Monday, two vehicles were involved in what was close to a head-on crash.
The accident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m., near milepost 247, when Judy Marie Scharf, a 79-year-old resident of Bandon, veered her northbound Ford Ranger into the southbound traffic lanes for reasons yet to be determined. She collided with a Chevrolet Silverado driven by James Earl Yost, 71, of Sixes. Scharf did not survive the impact and was declared deceased at the scene, while Yost suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Authorities responded quickly, with Oregon State Police taking the lead on the investigation. They were assisted by personnel from Bandon Fire, Green Acres Fire, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
