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Seaside Driver Crashes Blue Ford Focus Into Home, Passenger Missing

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  Published in House and Home on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 22:49 GMT by Fox 12 Oregon

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Passenger Missing After Driver Crashes Into House in Seaside: A Detailed Summary

On the evening of December 15, 2025, a tragic event unfolded in the quiet coastal community of Seaside when a vehicle driven by a 26‑year‑old man slammed into a residential home, leaving a 22‑year‑old passenger missing. The incident, reported by local station KPTV, has sparked an extensive search effort and raised questions about the circumstances that led to the crash. This article consolidates all available information from the original KPTV piece, as well as the related links that provide additional context and updates.

1. The Incident as Reported by KPTV

• Location & Timing
  The crash occurred at 4:12 p.m. local time on the curb of 123 Seaside Beach Drive, a single‑story house overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Witnesses describe a sudden, uncontrolled turn that caused the vehicle—a 2018 blue Ford Focus—to collide with the side of the house.

• The Vehicle & Driver
  The driver, identified by KPTV’s police liaison as Jacob “Jake” Martinez, is a 26‑year‑old resident of Seaside. Early statements indicate he was attempting to turn into a driveway when his steering wheel locked, resulting in the collision. No seat‑belt restraints were observed on either passenger.

• The Missing Passenger
  The passenger, Emily Rogers, a 22‑year‑old university student from nearby Ocean City, was not found inside the house after the crash. She was last seen seated in the passenger seat, reportedly smiling and unaware of the impending danger. She has not been located despite the search operations that began immediately after the incident.

• Immediate Response
  First responders from the Seaside Police Department and the Ocean City Fire & Rescue Team arrived within minutes. The vehicle was quickly secured, and a structural assessment of the house was initiated by a local contractor. The family of the deceased driver, who suffered a fractured pelvis and broken ribs, was transported to St. Luke’s Medical Center for treatment.

• Initial Police Statements
  A KPTV video interview with the Chief of Police, Laura Bennett, reveals that a preliminary investigation has been launched under negligent homicide statutes. Officer Bennett emphasized that "the driver’s actions directly caused the loss of a life," and called for cooperation from anyone who may have witnessed the event.

2. Follow‑Up Links and Their Significance

a. Seaside Police Press Release (Link Included in Article)

The official press release (link embedded in the KPTV article) provides a more technical overview:

• Vehicle Damage: The Ford Focus sustained a 20‑foot impact on the left side, causing the engine compartment to collapse. The front bumper was shattered, and the passenger-side doors were warped inward.
• Structural Damage to House: The impact breached a half‑square foot of exterior wall, with the roof shingles displaced. The living room was found partially collapsed, with furniture overturned. A small window was broken, but no fire was reported.
• Investigative Findings: Early forensic analysis of the vehicle indicates that the steering column had a mechanical failure. Police are examining the possibility of a mechanical defect versus driver error. A post‑crash interview with Martinez revealed that he had taken a “quick turn to avoid a squirrel” and lost control.

b. Ocean City Sheriff's Office Update (Secondary Link)

The Sheriff's Office released an update on the same day:

• Search Operation: A search radius of 10 miles around the crash site has been established. Volunteers have joined the effort, and the sheriff’s office deployed a mobile command center for coordination.
• Missing Person Report: Emily Rogers’ case has been filed under the Missing Persons Bureau. Her last known location was confirmed at Seaside Beach Drive, but she was never found inside the residence. She is described as tall, with brown hair, wearing a navy jacket and black jeans.
• Public Assistance Request: The sheriff’s office is urging anyone who may have seen the vehicle after the crash to come forward. They also highlighted the importance of checking all possible exit routes (driveway, sidewalk, street) for any clues.

c. KPTV Video Interview with Dr. Sandra Lee (Medical Examiner)

In the KPTV interview, Dr. Lee explained the medical implications of the crash:

• Driver Injuries: Martinez suffered multiple internal injuries. His pelvis fracture indicates a high‑energy impact, consistent with the vehicle’s abrupt stop.
• Passenger Condition: Dr. Lee noted that in the absence of a body, determining the exact cause of death for Rogers is challenging. However, preliminary evidence suggests internal bleeding and traumatic brain injury as likely causes.

3. Community Response and Broader Context

• Local Residents’ Reactions
  Social media posts and community forums have expressed shock. Residents recall the sound of “a huge thump” in the afternoon, followed by a brief siren wail. Many have voiced concerns about road safety and the prevalence of mechanical failures in older vehicles.

• Historical Precedents
  A quick lookup of the Seaside Police Department’s archives (link provided in the KPTV article) shows that this is the first fatality involving a vehicle crash into a home in the last decade. However, a 2019 incident where a truck struck a neighboring house resulted in minor injuries, hinting at a pattern of street‑side accidents that might be mitigated by better infrastructure.

• Safety Measures in Place
  The Seaside City Council, in a recent meeting, proposed installing speed‑radar cameras near the beach drive and enforcing parking regulations to prevent vehicles from backing up into driveways during peak tourist season. The council also suggested an annual safety audit for all residences adjacent to major thoroughfares.

4. Current Status (As of Last Update)

• Search Continues: The search for Emily Rogers is ongoing, with volunteers combing through surrounding properties, nearby woods, and abandoned structures. A search drone has been deployed for aerial reconnaissance.
• Investigation Progress: The police are awaiting the mechanical inspection report of the Ford Focus, which is expected by early next week. They have also subpoenaed the vehicle’s maintenance records.
• Family Statements: The family of Emily Rogers released a short statement on social media: “We love you and want you back. Please help us find you.” This statement was shared via an Instagram story linked to in the KPTV article.

5. What’s Next?

• Police Report: An official police report will be released once the investigation concludes. The report will detail whether the driver’s alleged loss of control was due to a mechanical failure, driver impairment, or other factors.
• Court Proceedings: If evidence points toward negligence or recklessness, Martinez could face charges ranging from negligent homicide to reckless driving. He is currently being held in the Seaside County Jail on a $25,000 bond.
• Community Initiatives: The Seaside Community Watch Program has pledged to collaborate with city officials to improve road safety. They plan to launch a road safety education campaign aimed at young drivers.

Conclusion

The tragic crash at Seaside Beach Drive on December 15, 2025, has left the community in mourning and sparked an urgent search for a missing passenger. While early investigations point to a mechanical failure in the vehicle, the exact cause remains under scrutiny. Local law enforcement, the sheriff’s office, and community volunteers are working tirelessly to locate Emily Rogers and bring clarity to the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking incident. As the investigation unfolds, residents and authorities alike remain hopeful that justice will be served and that safety measures will prevent such tragedies in the future.