2-Year-Old Survives Deadly Crash Near Welches

Snowy weather and speed cited as factors in accident that killed one and injured several others.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:09pm by

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted blues, grays, and whites, depicting a winding mountain highway obscured by a heavy snowstorm, conveying the overwhelming power of nature.A deadly crash on a rural Oregon highway underscores the dangers of driving in severe winter weather.Portland Today

A 2-year-old girl survived a crash on U.S. 26 near Welches, Oregon that killed one passenger and seriously injured two others. The vehicle, a white Dodge Ram, lost control on the snowy road and slammed into a tree, with officials citing weather conditions and speed as contributing factors.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of driving in inclement weather, especially on rural highways. The crash raises questions about road safety measures and driver education during winter storms in the Pacific Northwest.

The details

According to Oregon State Police, the vehicle was traveling westbound when the driver, 39-year-old Alen Hatunic of Portland, lost control on the snowy road. The Dodge Ram crossed the center line, went through a ditch, and crashed into a tree. A passenger in the back seat, 34-year-old Nina Westbrook of Gresham, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other two adult passengers, 39-year-old Eugene Bryce Westbrook and Hatunic, were seriously injured and transported to a local hospital. The 2-year-old girl in the vehicle sustained only minor injuries.

  • The crash occurred on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Alen Hatunic

The 39-year-old Portland resident who was driving the vehicle when it crashed.

Nina Westbrook

The 34-year-old Gresham woman who was killed in the crash.

Eugene Bryce Westbrook

The 39-year-old Portland resident who was seriously injured in the crash.

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What’s next

Officials will continue to investigate the exact cause of the crash, including analyzing the vehicle's speed and the road conditions at the time.

The takeaway

This tragic accident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of driving safely and cautiously in inclement weather. The loss of life and serious injuries underscore the need for improved road safety measures and driver education, especially in rural areas prone to winter storms.