Editor’s note: This report is based on information submitted by Oregon State Police. Not all fatal crashes may be included. The status of incidents might change after further investigation.
FRIDAY, OCT. 23
• 9:53 p.m. — A trooper discovered a deceased pedestrian in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 84 west of La Grande following a hit-and-run vehicle-pedestrian crash that took the life of Luna Wonder McCusker, 21, of Kooskia, Idaho. OSP’s preliminary investigation indicated that several 911 calls had been received about a person walking in the roadway near the location. Investigators believe McCusker was likely struck between 9:47 p.m. and 9:53 p.m. by a large truck, SUV or commercial vehicle. McCusker’s disabled vehicle was found in the westbound lanes about a half-mile from the scene. OSP is asking anyone with information to call 1-800-442-2068 or *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone and reference case number SP26-348943.
SATURDAY, OCT. 24
• 3:03 p.m. — Troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Madras that took the life of Thomas Derrig Jagels, 77, of Antelope. OSP’s preliminary investigation indicated that Jagels was driving a southbound Honda Civic when he attempted to turn left into the path of a northbound Ford Sprinter van driven by a 67-year-old man from The Dalles. The van was unable to stop or avoid the collision. Jagels was pronounced deceased at the scene. The van’s driver was reportedly not injured.
MONDAY, OCT. 26
• 5:54 a.m. — Troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 204 near Elgin that took the lives of Scott Charles Caldwell, 55, of Adams, and Curtis William Gammond, 54, of Pendleton. OSP’s preliminary investigation indicated that Caldwell was driving an unloaded westbound log truck when he veered into the oncoming lane to avoid a deer. While attempting to return to the westbound lane, the log truck ended up sideways across the roadway and was struck by a fully loaded eastbound log truck driven by Gammond, and a fire broke out. Both drivers were pronounced deceased at the scene.
• 2:51 p.m. — Troopers responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 26 near Elsie that took the life of Abigail Hernandez Redondo, 36, of Wilmington, California. OSP’s preliminary investigation indicated that Hernandez Redondo was driving a westbound Toyota Highlander when she lost control while negotiating a corner, entered the eastbound lane and collided head-on with an eastbound Mercedes-Benz SUV driven by a 69-year-old Beaverton man. The Mercedes then struck an eastbound Volkswagen ID.4 driven by a 43-year-old Portland man. Hernandez Redondo was declared deceased at the scene. Her passenger, a 37-year-old Bell Gardens, California, man, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The Mercedes’ driver and his passenger, a 65-year-old woman, were also transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The Volkswagen’s driver, an adult female passenger and two juvenile passengers were not injured.
THURSDAY, OCT. 29
• 8:42 a.m. — Troopers responded to a vehicle-pedestrian crash on Highway 99E near Holly Avenue in Oak Grove that took the life of Janice Mae Gilliland, 75. OSP’s preliminary investigation indicated that a northbound Kia Soul driven by a 76-year-old Portland woman struck Gilliland as she attempted to cross the highway in an unmarked crosswalk. Gilliland was transported to an area hospital, where she later died. The Kia’s driver was reportedly not injured, remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. She was later cited for failing to stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian.