Driver dies in crash near Tillamook Creamery, troopers say

The scene of a fatal crash

A driver was killed May 17, 2020, in a crash north of Tillamook.Oregon State Police

A driver died after crossing the centerline and into the path of an SUV Sunday near Tillamook, troopers say.

Samuel Hacker of Scappoose was going north on U.S. 101 just north of the Tillamook Creamery visitors center when he veered into the oncoming lane, the Oregon State Police said, citing an early investigation.

Hacker, 36, hit an SUV and was fatally wounded.

A passenger in Hacker’s BMW, 32-year-old Shayna Tacadena of Gresham, was taken to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

The driver of the Ford Explorer SUV, 43-year-old Julie Leonnig of Tillamook, suffered minor injuries.

Troopers said they don’t know why Hacker veered into the oncoming lane.

The crash prompted a closure of U.S. 101 that lasted about 3 ½ hours, troopers said.

-- Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

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