COOS COUNTY, Ore. — The community is mourning the tragic loss of James Ervin Bramhall, 64, of Lakeside, who died in a three-vehicle crash on Highway 101 near milepost 223 on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
According to the Oregon State Police, the crash occurred around 6:09 a.m. when a northbound Ford F-150 towing a flatbed trailer, driven by Matthew Rafael Gonzalez, 30, of St. George, Utah, struck black ice, lost control, and collided with Bramhall’s tan Chevy Tracker in the southbound lane. A blue Dodge 1500 pickup, driven by John Paul Burgmeier, 24, of Coos Bay, then rear-ended the Ford F-150 due to the icy conditions.
Bramhall was pronounced deceased at the scene. Gonzalez sustained minor injuries, and Burgmeier was uninjured. Emergency responders, including the Lakeside, Hauser, and Winchester Bay Fire Departments, Lower Umpqua Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation, worked to secure the scene and provide assistance.
Authorities are investigating the crash to determine all contributing factors, including road conditions and the impact of black ice.
The sudden death of James Ervin Bramhall has left family, friends, and the community in profound grief. Loved ones remember him as a valued member of the Lakeside community whose life was cut tragically short. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
