Fatal Crash on Highway 101 in Curry County

On Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 11:40 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 298, in Curry County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Ford F250, operated by James Franklin Mickelson (36) of Sixes, left the roadway for unknown reasons, traveled approximately 400 feet through a field, and struck a tree. The collision caused the vehicle to become engulfed in flames.

The operator of the vehicle (Mickelson) and passengers, Joseph Frances Kurka (20) of Sixes and Dereck Eugene Stroop (35) of Port Orford, were all declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Port Orford Fire Department, Sixes Fire, Coos Forest Patrol, Coos Fire, the Curry County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT.