Pendleton Man Critically Injured While Helping at Scene of Crash (PHOTOS)

(PENDLETON, Ore.) - Police say a 46-year old Pendleton-area man sustained critical injuries Monday afternoon when he was struck by an automobile while assisting at a crash scene on Interstate 84 near the John Day River.

Oregon State Police Sergeant Pat Shortt says Monday afternoon at 3:23 PM, a white 2006 Ford Focus driven by 47-year old Juana Fortier of Portland, was eastbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 116 when it hit a spot of black ice, slid off of the south side of the freeway and overturned.

Shortt says that despite sustaining minor injuries, Fortier was able to exit her vehicle. Another eastbound motorist, 46-year old Nels Hadden of Pendleton, stopped to help Fortier.

"At approximately 3:43 p.m. Hadden was standing on the shoulder of the freeway when an eastbound blue 2001 Volkswagen Beetle driven by 18-year old Elizabeth Murray of Pendleton, lost control and slid off the south side of the freeway striking Haddewn."

Both directions of Interstate 84 were closed at the crash scene for approximately an hour to allow treatment of the injured and LifeFlight to land, Shortt said.

"Hadden sustained severe injuries and was transported to a Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland for treatment. Fortier, who was wearing safety restraints at the time of her crash, was transported to Mid Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles for treatment of minor injuries.

Murray, who was also wearing safety restraints, was not injured in the second collision.

OSP troopers from The Dalles Area Command and Arlington work site are continuing the investigation. Local area police, fire and ODOT assisted at the scene.

Salem-News.com Top Stories

2025: Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Two Wars with No Way Out

No One Owns the Future

The Ugly Origins of Trump's America First Policy

A One-State Solution Could Transform the World

Comments Leave a comment on this story.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

John Elyea February 2, 2009 7:47 am (Pacific time)

I too worked with Nels for many years at U.S. Cellular. I was saddened but not surprised to hear that he had been hit while assisting at the scene of an accident because that's the kind of guy he is. One who stops to help and asks nothing in return. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery Nels.

Renee, Sumter, S.C. January 30, 2009 12:45 pm (Pacific time)

We heard about this story on Facebook and just wanted you to know we are praying for Nels in Sumter, S.C. God is good and he will help you through this difficult time. Stay strong and have faith.

Jim Gover, Altus, OK January 30, 2009 12:14 pm (Pacific time)

William and Chelsea. Your dad probably doesn't remember me, as I left the boat prior to his assignment, but we did meet. I'll be keeping him in my prayers, as well as all of you. Stay strong and God Bless you all.

Wendy January 29, 2009 2:25 pm (Pacific time)

I learned about this through a friend of Nels. While we don't know him, we will be keeping him in our thoughts and prayers.

Gil Raynor MM2 SS January 29, 2009 12:53 pm (Pacific time)

I am a submariner retired from the navy after I suffered a hit and run accident in 1970. I spent a long time in the hospital so I know exactly what Nels is going through. I am also a Chaplain for Lockwood Internet base of United States Submarine veterans and will pass the word to all our members to pray for Nels. We will be praying for his comfort, for his care by the doctors and for his family and loved ones. Let him know that he will be lifted up before our Lord frequently and we look forward to hearing of his recovery. May God bless each and every one of you.

CAPT Michael Jabaley, USN January 29, 2009 11:59 am (Pacific time)

William and Chelsea - I read about your father on a submarine blog (http://bubbleheads.blogspot.com/2009/01/character-of-submariner.html#comments). Although I don't know him personally, I know many just like him and I can tell you for sure that there will be many a submariner praying for him tonight and on until he gets better. God bless him and you as you all go through this trial.

Chelsie Hadden January 29, 2009 11:20 am (Pacific time)

This is my father! He is a hero. He is always stopping and helping people it is just the kind of person he is. He always puts other people first. Not to long ago he helped at another accident where a lady got t-boned after pulling out in front of somone he stopped and styaed with the women untill the medics arrived and when they did they said my dad saved her life by talking with her untill the medics could come. He is an amazing person and we are so proud of him. He does thing for others and for his company. I have the best father in the world. He is my hero. And i love him so much right now we just ask for your prayers.

Lee & Bea Wright January 28, 2009 8:22 pm (Pacific time)

We are praying and our church family is praying for healing and comfort for Nels. Also praying for peace and comfort for Betsy,Chelsie and William.

Glen Dickason January 28, 2009 8:16 pm (Pacific time)

Thank you to those who are praying. Please pass the word to pray for him. Nels is my brother-in-law. He is a good man who stopped to help someone in need. He does that a lot. He is actually from Milton-Freewater. After assisting the woman to get out of her upside-down car he was starting to put out flares to protect other drivers when the young woman accidentally hit him after losing control. Please pray for her comfort, as well. She was inexperienced on ice, but wasn't driving recklessly from the reports we have gotten. She will have difficulty handling the damage her car did to Nels. Almost every bone in his body is broken and he has internal injuries, but he is fighting hard to get well and be back with his family.

Chelsie Hadden January 28, 2009 4:50 pm (Pacific time)

Please pray. My dad is a trong man but everyone of your prayers help.

Patrick Householder January 28, 2009 3:23 pm (Pacific time)

As the word spreads in the Submarine Veterans community, there will be many prayers offered on your father's behalf.

Betty French January 28, 2009 2:17 pm (Pacific time)

We're praying for your father and asking God to give wisdom and skill to the physicians attending him.

Karen Durham, Hoquiam, Wa. January 28, 2009 1:29 pm (Pacific time)

Nels and I go back a long ways when i worked at US Cellular. I will absolutely keep him in my prayers

William Hadden January 27, 2009 9:05 pm (Pacific time)

This is my father. Please pray for him. He needs it most now.

[Return to Top]