James Edward Price, Genevieve Marie Huffaker And 4-month-old female infant Obituary, Highway 42 Accident Update — Three people, including a 4-month-old infant, died following a head-on crash on Highway 42 near Myrtle Point in Coos County, Oregon, on Saturday afternoon, September 19, 2026, according to the Oregon State Police.
The fatal crash occurred at approximately 4:46 p.m. near milepost 21 on Highway 42, within the Myrtle Point city limits. Authorities said the collision involved a silver Land Rover LR3 and a blue Subaru Forester that was towing a jet ski.
According to the preliminary investigation, a Myrtle Point Police Department officer was attempting to contact Gregory Paul Olson, 69, of Myrtle Point. Olson was reportedly suspected of leaving a local business several hours earlier without paying for merchandise.
Police said Olson fled from the officer in the Land Rover and traveled eastbound on Highway 42 at a high rate of speed. The vehicle subsequently lost control, crossed the center line and collided head-on with the westbound Subaru.
The Subaru was driven by James Edward Price, 32, of Myrtle Point. Price was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision.
A passenger in the Subaru, Genevieve Marie Huffaker, 20, of Coquille, was transported to an area hospital but later died from her injuries. A 4-month-old female infant who was also involved in the crash was transported to a Portland-area hospital and was later pronounced deceased.
Olson suffered serious injuries in the crash and was transported to a local hospital, where he remains under treatment. The Oregon State Police said its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal Highway 42 collision remains ongoing.
