COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ore. (July 25, 2025) – On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at approximately 3:59 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 30 in Columbia County.  The preliminary investigation indicated that a gray Chevrolet Cruze, operated by Gary Ronald Thomas (90) of St. Helens, was traveling eastbound on Highway 30 near milepost 39 when it crossed into the westbound lane for an unknown reason. The Chevrolet struck a westbound purple Saturn SL1, operated by Kyler Warren Rinck (20) of Longview, WA, and a blue Toyota Camry, operated by Cori Marie Mack (61) of Rainier.  The operator of the Chevrolet (Thomas) was transported to an area hospital by Life Flight with serious injuries. He later died at the hospital as a result of injuries sustained during the crash.  The operator of the Saturn (Rinck) was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.  The operator of the Toyota (Mack) was transported to an area hospital in a private vehicle with minor injuries.  The highway was closed for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation.  OSP was assisted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Rainier Police Department, Columbia County Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.