Tragedy on Highway 26: Seaside Couple Killed in Clatsop County Crash
CLATSOP COUNTY, OR — June 21, 2025 — A quiet Friday afternoon took a tragic turn in Clatsop County when a single-vehicle crash on Highway 26 claimed the lives of a Seaside couple. The Oregon State Police (OSP) confirmed that both occupants of the vehicle — identified as Richard Scott McIntosh, 74, and Michele Arnold McIntosh, 72 — were killed in the wreck that occurred near milepost 8, just outside of Seaside.
The crash was reported at approximately 4:06 p.m. on Friday, June 20, prompting an immediate response from emergency personnel and law enforcement.
Details of the Incident
According to a preliminary investigation by OSP, the couple was traveling westbound on Highway 26 in a white Genesis GV70 when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle left the roadway, veered onto the shoulder, traveled up a dirt embankment, and collided with a tree.
Richard Scott McIntosh, the driver, was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife and passenger, Michele Arnold McIntosh, sustained critical injuries and was transported by emergency responders to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts to save her, she later succumbed to her injuries.
There were no other vehicles involved, and no additional injuries were reported.
Response and Road Closure
The crash triggered a multi-agency response that included:
- Seaside Fire Department
- Hamlet Fire Department
- Medix Ambulance Service
- Clatsop County Medical Examiner’s Office
- Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)
- Oregon State Police Crash Reconstruction Team
Highway 26 was partially closed for nearly four hours to allow investigators to reconstruct the scene, gather evidence, and safely remove the wreckage. The affected portion of the highway has since reopened.
A Community in Mourning
Richard and Michele McIntosh were longtime residents of Seaside, remembered by neighbors and friends as warm, active community members. Their sudden deaths have sent ripples of sorrow through the tight-knit coastal town.
“Rick and Michele were always together — whether volunteering, gardening, or walking the beach,” said a neighbor. “It’s just so hard to believe they’re gone.”
The McIntoshes had reportedly been heading toward the coast when the crash occurred, possibly returning from an afternoon drive or errands.
Investigation Ongoing
OSP investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the crash. Mechanical failure, driver medical emergency, or other contributing factors have not yet been ruled out. Toxicology reports and a full reconstruction will be part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen the vehicle before the crash to contact the Oregon State Police Northern Command Center.
Highway 26: A Winding Route with Caution Flags
Highway 26 is a scenic but often challenging road that connects Portland to the northern Oregon Coast. The stretch near milepost 8 includes sharp curves and limited shoulders, and has seen a number of serious crashes over the years.
ODOT officials continue to remind drivers to stay alert, drive at safe speeds, and avoid distractions, especially on winding, rural highways.
Remembering the McIntoshes
As family members make funeral arrangements and the Seaside community processes the loss, tributes have begun appearing online and at local gathering places. Friends are organizing a memorial walk along the beach, one of the couple’s favorite spots.
The tragedy has also served as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be changed — or lost — in a moment on the road.
The Oregon State Police will release further information as the investigation progresses. Meanwhile, loved ones and community members mourn the lives of Richard and Michele McIntosh — a couple whose devotion to one another lasted a lifetime, and ended together in a moment of heartbreaking loss.