Randy Charles Bloom Killed in Head‑On Crash on Highway 30 Near Rainier, OR: 62‑Year‑Old Scappoose Man Dies, Passenger Shana Jean Bloom Seriously Injured – Obituary.
‘A Life Taken Too Soon’: Randy Charles Bloom, 62, Dies in Devastating Head‑On Collision on Highway 30; Wife Shana Jean Bloom Seriously Injured
SCAPPOOSE, OR – April 14, 2026 – The quiet riverside community of Scappoose is shrouded in grief this week following the tragic death of Randy Charles Bloom, 62, who was killed in a violent two‑vehicle crash on Highway 30 near milepost 48 in Columbia County on the evening of Sunday, April 12, 2026. The collision also left his passenger and wife, Shana Jean Bloom, 59, with serious injuries, while the driver of the other vehicle was also hospitalized.
The crash, which occurred at approximately 7:06 p.m. , has shaken the tight‑knit Scappoose community, where Randy was known as a devoted husband, a loyal friend, and a man who quietly gave his time and energy to those around him. As investigators work to determine the exact cause of the collision, those who loved Randy are left with a profound sense of loss — and a determination to honor a life that ended far too soon.
The Crash: A Head‑On Tragedy on a Dangerous Stretch of Highway 30
According to the Oregon State Police (OSP) , the incident unfolded when a gray Subaru Outback — traveling westbound on Highway 30 — crossed into the eastbound lane near the Rainier area. The Subaru then collided head‑on with a Ford Focus driven by Randy Charles Bloom. The impact was catastrophic.
Emergency responders, including Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies and local fire crews, arrived at the scene within minutes. Despite their best efforts, Randy Bloom was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries. His wife, Shana Jean Bloom, who was riding in the passenger seat, was extricated from the wreckage and rushed to a nearby hospital with what authorities described as serious but non‑life‑threatening injuries. The driver of the Subaru was also transported to a hospital; their condition has not been publicly released.
The Oregon State Police have confirmed that the crash remains under active investigation. Multiple agencies, including the Columbia County Crash Analysis and Reconstruction Team, are assisting. No charges have been filed at this time, and authorities have not yet released information about potential contributing factors such as speed, impairment, or mechanical failure.
“Our hearts go out to the Bloom family and everyone affected by this terrible tragedy,” said an OSP spokesperson. “We are conducting a thorough investigation and will release more details as they become available.”
Remembering Randy Charles Bloom: A Cherished Husband and Community Member
Randy Charles Bloom, 62, was a lifelong resident of the Scappoose area. Friends and family describe him as a man of quiet strength, dependable nature, and a warm smile that could light up a room. He was not one to seek the spotlight, but his presence was deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Randy was the kind of guy who would show up to help you without being asked,” said a longtime neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous. “He fixed my fence after a storm, helped me jump‑start my car in the rain, and never wanted anything in return. He just loved being useful. He loved his community.”
Randy worked for many years in the construction and trades industry, where he earned a reputation as a skilled craftsman and a patient mentor to younger workers. Colleagues remember him as someone who took pride in doing the job right the first time, who never cut corners, and who always had a kind word or a piece of practical advice.
“He taught me that your word is your bond,” said a former coworker. “If Randy said he’d be there at 7 a.m., he was there at 6:45. If he said he’d finish a job, you could take it to the bank. He was old‑school in the best way.”
Outside of work, Randy loved the outdoors — fishing on the Columbia River, tending to his vegetable garden, and taking slow drives through the countryside with Shana. He was an avid fan of classic rock and could often be found listening to Creedence Clearwater Revival or The Eagles while working in his garage.
Shana Jean Bloom: Seriously Injured but Fighting
Shana Jean Bloom, 59, Randy’s wife of more than 30 years, remains hospitalized with serious injuries sustained in the crash. Family members have released a brief statement saying that she is “stable but facing a long road to recovery.” They have asked for privacy and for continued prayers.
“Shana is a fighter,” said a close family friend. “But losing Randy is the hardest thing she will ever have to face. They were inseparable. He was her rock, and she was his. Please keep her in your thoughts.”
The couple was known in Scappoose for their devotion to each other. They were often seen walking their dog together along the riverfront, attending community events, or simply sitting on their porch watching the sunset. Their marriage was described by friends as a partnership of mutual respect, laughter, and unwavering support.
Community Response: Grief and Support in Scappoose
The news of Randy’s death has spread quickly through Scappoose, a small city of roughly 8,000 residents located along the Multnomah Channel. A makeshift memorial has appeared at the crash site near milepost 48 on Highway 30 — a stretch of road known locally for its scenic views but also for its history of serious accidents. Flowers, a cross, and a handwritten sign reading “RIP Randy” now mark the spot where the collision occurred.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched by friends to help cover funeral expenses and to support Shana’s medical bills. As of this writing, the campaign has raised over $15,000, with donations pouring in not only from Scappoose but from neighboring towns such as St. Helens, Rainier, and even Portland.
“Randy would never ask for help,” said the campaign organizer. “But we’re doing this because that’s what community is for. He gave so much to us. Now it’s our turn to give back.”
Local churches have also opened their doors for prayer vigils, and the Scappoose Senior Center has offered to host a potluck memorial gathering once Shana is well enough to attend. The outpouring of support has been described by the family as “overwhelming and deeply comforting.”
The Dangerous Reality of Highway 30
Highway 30, which runs along the Columbia River from Portland to Astoria and beyond, is a vital arterial route for Columbia County. However, it is also a road with a troubling history of head‑on collisions, particularly in the stretch between Scappoose and Rainier. Narrow lanes, limited passing zones, curves, and high speeds have contributed to numerous crashes over the years.
“This is a road that demands your full attention every second,” said a local firefighter who responded to Sunday’s crash. “It only takes a moment of distraction, a split‑second decision, and lives are changed forever. We see it far too often.”
Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) data shows that Columbia County has seen an increase in fatal and serious‑injury crashes on Highway 30 over the past five years. Local officials have called for additional safety measures, including median barriers, improved signage, and reduced speed limits in high‑risk zones. Whether Sunday’s tragedy will accelerate those efforts remains to be seen.
A Life of Love and Service
Those who knew Randy Charles Bloom best say that he will be remembered not for the way he died, but for the way he lived. He was a man who loved deeply, worked honestly, and gave generously of his time and talent. He was a husband, a brother, an uncle, and a friend. He was the neighbor who shoveled snow, the guy who brought donuts to the worksite, the quiet presence in the back of the room who made everyone feel safe.
“Randy never raised his voice. He never held a grudge,” said his sister, who asked to remain unnamed. “He just loved. And he loved Shana most of all. I take some comfort knowing that their last moments were together — that he wasn’t alone. But the pain is still unbearable.”
Funeral Arrangements and How to Honor Randy’s Memory
The Bloom family has announced that a celebration of life for Randy Charles Bloom will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Scappoose Community Center, located at 33500 E Columbia Ave, Scappoose, OR 97056. The service will be open to all who wish to pay their respects. A private interment will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Scappoose Volunteer Fire Department or to the Columbia County Victim Assistance Program — organizations that provided support to the family in the hours after the crash. Alternatively, the family suggests simply performing an act of kindness for a neighbor in Randy’s memory.
“That’s what Randy would have wanted,” his sister said. “Not tears, not fuss — just people being good to each other.”
A Final Farewell
As Scappoose mourns the loss of Randy Charles Bloom, his family and friends are left with a void that can never be filled. But they are also left with memories — of his laugh, his steady hands, his quiet wisdom, and his unwavering love. His life, though cut tragically short at 62, was a life of meaning.
Rest in peace, Randy. You were loved. You will never be forgotten.
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Note to readers: If you have any information regarding the April 12 crash on Highway 30, please contact the Oregon State Police at (503) 731-3030. For those struggling with grief or trauma following this incident, support is available through the Columbia County Mental Health Crisis Line at (503) 397-5211. Funeral details will be updated by the family. The GoFundMe campaign for the Bloom family can be found by searching “Randy and Shana Bloom Support Fund.”
In Loving Memory of Randy Charles Bloom
October 12, 1963 – April 12, 2026
“Forever in our hearts.”


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