On Thursday, September 7, 2023, at approximately 2:15 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus motorcycle crash on Hwy-101, just north of the Waldport bridge.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Dodge Ram 1500, operated by 62-year old James Semrau of Eugene, was turning left onto Hwy-101 from N Bayview Rd. A Kawasaki EX motorcycle, operated by 27-year old Alex Gomez of Toledo, was northbound on Hwy-101 going through the intersection with Bayview Rd, when the Dodge crossed the northbound lane of travel. The Kawasaki struck the Dodge and caught fire as a result of the crash.
An Oregon State Trooper arrived on scene moments after the crash and extinguished the fire. Gomez the operator of the Kawasaki was pronounced deceased by medical personnel on scene. Mr. Semrau the operator of the Dodge was transported to Samaritan Pacific Communities hospital with minor injuries. The highway was impacted for approximately 3 hours during the on scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
OSP was assisted by Lincoln County Sheriff, Seal Rock Fire, Central Coast Fire, and ODOT.
