Authorities confirm a fatal head‑on collision occurred on Highway 30 near Rainier on the evening of Monday, February 9, resulting in one death and one serious injury.

Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to the crash at approximately 7 p.m. at milepost 51, located west of Rainier. The collision involved a westbound vehicle driven by 23‑year‑old Alissa Jenay Jarvis of Astoria, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The oncoming vehicle, operated by 34‑year‑old Lorenza Gaspar‑Mateo of Longview, Washington, carried serious injuries and was transported to a hospital by ground ambulance. Officials attribute the crash to potential impairment and loss of lane discipline, though no charges have yet been filed. The highway was closed for approximately five hours during the investigation. These details are outlined in a press release from OSP.

OSP’s press release confirming these facts is available via reporting by Columbia County Spotlight.

Initial mention of the incident also surfaced through Classic Hits 100.7 KLOG, which reported that Columbia River Fire & Rescue had closed the roadway between Larson Road and Heath Road near the Valley Veterinary Clinic at around 7:45 p.m., with Life Flight having been dispatched to the scene. The station noted that further details were pending at the time.

Why this matters locally

Highway 30 is a critical and often dangerous artery in southwest Washington and northwest Oregon. This deadly crash underscores persistent safety concerns along this corridor—particularly in areas near busy entry points like the Valley Veterinary Clinic. That spot is also the scene of past serious crashes, including a three‑vehicle crash in July 2024 that claimed two lives, outside the clinic’s parking entrance. Clinic staff have long advocated for infrastructure improvements, such as left‑turn lanes, which the Oregon Department of Transportation has so far declined to install, citing policy against adding these features for single businesses.

What remains to be learned

• OSP has not publicly indicated whether any party was tested for impairment, nor whether impairment was confirmed.
• No criminal charges have been filed at this time.
• OSP’s investigation is ongoing; further details may emerge in coming days.

This crash contributes to an unsettling pattern of serious and fatal collisions along Highway 30, demanding attention both from transportation authorities and community members. Updates will be filed once additional official information is released.

Sources
Columbia County Spotlight report on crash details
Classic Hits 100.7 KLOG initial post on crash and road closure