Woman Killed, Man Critically Injured after Bridge Crash

Date: November 17, 2009
Location: Astoria-Megler Bridge, Astoria, Oregon
Names: Herbert Goebel, Kathleen Ann Brock

A head-on collision on the Astoria-Megler Bridge in Astoria, Oregon, killed a 51-year-old Long Beach, Washington, woman and critically injured a Vancouver man, the morning of November 17, 2009. The crash, which took place on a bridge crossing the Columbia River, killed Kathleen Ann Brock, after her rental car crashed into a truck driven by Herbert Goebel.

According to The Olympian, Brock’s car was southbound on the bridge, traveling at a high rate of speed, when she attempted to pass Goebel’s truck and the vehicles collided.

The Oregonian reports that Brock was driving a rented four-door 2008 Saturn car, and Goebel was driving a 2004 Dodge Dakota pickup truck.

Goebel was initially transported by ambulance to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria, then transferred to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland by Life Flight helicopter. He was listed in critical condition. Brock, who was not wearing a seat belt, died in the crash.

Brock’s older sister posted a poignant comment November 21 on KGW.com, offering sympathy and sorrow for Goebel’s pain and suffering. In her post, Brock’s sister, Laura DeNuccio, said they were trying to locate the Goebel family to personally express their sincere and deep apologies, and added that her family, mourning Brock’s loss, was praying for Goebel.

Then, in a stirring development three days later, Goebel’s nephew posted a reply. He said his uncle, a school bus driver, remained in critical condition, but was “still hanging in there” while the family prays for him.

We are moved by these two families reaching out to one another while in the midst of terrible tragedy and pain, and we hope they will continue to support one another during this difficult time. We add our prayers and thoughts to those of both families, and send our wishes to Goebel for a recovery to full health.

DuBois Law Group represents victims with injuries resulting from accidents.  Our clients deserve representation with our experience, sensitivity and tenacity.  Should an unfortunate episode find you or someone you know in need of representation as a result of an accident related injury, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get educated by ordering your free copy of 7 Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Oregon Accident Case.