Hunter Lee Sturgill and Joni Marie Williams were killed Wednesday evening in a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 101 near Langlois in Curry County, Oregon, according to the Oregon State Police.
The fatal crash occurred at approximately 5:14 p.m. on Aug. 5, 2026, near milepost 286 on Highway 101. Oregon State Police troopers responded to the area following reports of a serious two-vehicle collision.
According to investigators, Williams, 63, of Bandon, was driving a white Buick Lucerne southbound on Highway 101 when the vehicle crossed the centerline for reasons that have not been determined. The Buick then collided head-on with a silver Pontiac Vibe traveling northbound.
The Pontiac was driven by Sturgill, 18, of Coos Bay. Both drivers sustained fatal injuries in the crash and were pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.
The collision caused significant traffic disruption along Highway 101 as emergency responders and investigators worked at the scene. The roadway was affected for approximately three hours while authorities conducted their preliminary investigation, documented evidence and cleared the crash site.
Several agencies assisted Oregon State Police with the response, including the Bandon Police Department, Curry County Sheriff’s Office, Sixes Rural Fire Protection District, Langlois Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Authorities have not released additional information explaining why Williams’ vehicle crossed the centerline. The circumstances surrounding the fatal collision remain under investigation, and additional information may be released as investigators continue their work.
The deaths of Williams and Sturgill mark a tragic loss following the Highway 101 collision near Langlois. As the investigation continues, their families and those who knew them are left to grieve their passing while authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the crash.
