Medical Problem May Have Caused Double Fatal Traffic Crash Near North Powder

Police say a pickup traveled off the right shoulder, crossed the median and rolled near the exit 283 off ramp.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(NORTH POWDER, Ore.) - Oregon State Police troopers are investigating a single car crash Sunday that resulted in the death of a Baker City couple west of North Powder on Interstate 84.

OSP Trooper Travis Moody says at approximately 5:20 p.m. a 1998 Dodge 2500 pickup driven by 79-year old Richard Lee Coller of Baker City, was eastbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 283.

"For an unconfirmed reason, the pickup traveled off the right shoulder, crossed the median and rolled near the exit 283 off ramp," Moody said.

Both the driver and his wife, 75-year old Ernestine Mae Coller, were not using safety restraints and they were ejected from the pickup.

Moody says they were pronounced deceased at the scene.

"OSP troopers from the La Grande Area Command office are continuing the investigation. A medical problem may have been a contributing factor in the crash."

The Union County Sheriff's Office, North Powder Quick Response Team and ODOT assisted at the scene.