I-84 Fatal, Umatilla Co.

Umatilla County, Ore. 1 April 2025- On Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 2:20 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 190, in Umatilla County. The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Chevrolet Venture, operated by Kenneth Leroy Stout (85) of Ilwaco (WA), was passing through a single lane construction zone when it began to pass vehicles on the inside shoulder of the roadway. The operator lost control, entered the median, rolled several times, and came to rest on the westbound shoulder. The operator (Stout), who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and declared deceased at the scene. The highway was not impacted during the on-scene investigation. The primary cause of the crash is considered unsafe passing and further investigation is being conducted. OSP was assisted by the Echo Fire Department, Standfield Fire Department, Umatilla County Fire District 1, Umatilla County Sheriff's Office, and ODOT.

Hwy. 97 Fatal, Klamath Co.

Klamath County, Ore. 31 March 2025- On Monday, March 31, 2025, at 8:46 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Highway 97, near milepost 176, in Klamath County. The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Buick LeSabre, operated by Leif Taylor Celusta (34) of Crescent, lost control, crossed into the southbound lane, and struck a southbound Kenworth commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Robert Emil Mewes (58) of Madras. The operator of the Buick (Celusta) was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Kenworth (Mewes) was reportely uninjured. The highway was impacted for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation. Speed and roadway conditions are being considered primary causes of the crash. OSP was assisted by Crescent Fire and ODOT.