ASTORIA – Two Washington men are recovering from suffering serious injuries after the all terrain vehicle (ATV) they were riding crashed into a ditch at the Nicolai Mainline about 20 miles east of Astoria off Highway 30.

According to authorities, it appears alcohol and speed were contributing factors in the crash.

Clatsop County Sheriff deputies were called to the area on May 27 at 2:36 a.m. after reports that two adult male subjects riding a side-by side ATV lost control and crashed, seriously injuring both men.

The driver, Leroy “Lee” Cormican of Battle Ground, WA., was transported by Life Flight to Oregon Health Sciences University. The passenger, Cory J. Johnson of Woodland, WA., was transported by Medix to Columbia Memorial Hospital and later by Life Flight to Legacy Emanuel Hospital.

Neither subject was using safety restraints or wearing helmets. 

The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Deputies were assisted by Knappa Fire and Medix.