# George Cole Cleveland, 41, Dies in Head-On Crash on Highway 540 in Oregon
George Cole Cleveland, 41, of Coos Bay, Oregon, died in a head-on collision on Highway 540 in Coos County on Sunday evening, October 4, 2026.
According to the Oregon State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 7:35 p.m. near milepost 5. Preliminary findings indicate Cleveland was driving a silver Chevrolet Aveo eastbound in the westbound lane when his vehicle collided head-on with a white Toyota Tacoma.
Cleveland was pronounced dead at the scene. The Toyota Tacoma was driven by 35-year-old Aric Dwayne Allen Adkins, also of Coos Bay. Adkins reported minor injuries following the collision.
During the crash investigation, state troopers arrested Adkins on a charge of driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII). Authorities have not provided further details about the arrest. The charge is an allegation, and Adkins is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Investigators have not publicly established whether the alleged impairment contributed to the collision.
The crash disrupted traffic on Highway 540 for approximately three hours while emergency crews and investigators worked at the scene.
The Oregon State Police received assistance from the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Coos Bay Police Department, Charleston Fire and Rescue, and Bay Cities Ambulance.
Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision. Further information about the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings is expected to come from official updates.
Cleveland’s death has left a painful loss in the Coos Bay community. He was 41 years old, and his passing has drawn attention to the serious consequences of wrong-way driving on public highways.
The Oregon State Police remain the primary agency handling the crash investigation.
