CRASH ON HWY 30 NEAR ASTORIA TURNS FATAL

On Monday, 11/07/2011, about 4:05pm, Clatsop County 911 received a call that a child had been struck by a truck after running across Highway 30 near MP 83 in the Knappa area. State Troopers from the Astoria Area Command, along with other emergency service providers, responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation, based upon witness and driver statements, indicate that an approximately 11 year old girl, and her 9 year old younger brother, were walking eastbound on the north side of HWY 30. For unknown reason they both attempted to cross Highway 30 to the south side. The 11 year old sister started to run across the highway and her younger brother followed shortly behind her. According to witnesses, they both ran between two westbound pick-up trucks. The sister made it safely to the south side of the roadway but her brother, identified as Austin Hennessee of Knappa, was struck by a Ford F250 pick-up driven by Kenneth Adams, 24, of Astoria. Adams immediately stopped an
d rendered first aid and CPR to Austin. Knappa Fire and Rescue arrived and Austin was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria where he was subsequently pronounced deceased.

Adams remained at the scene of the collision and cooperated fully with the investigation. No citations have been issued and the investigation is continuing. OSP was assisted at the scene by ODOT and Clatsop County Sheriff's deputies as well as Knappa Fire and Rescue. Highway 30 at MP 83 is a two lane roadway and was reduced to one lane of travel for approximately one hour while the collision was investigated. Road conditions were damp at the time but it was not raining.