Monmouth Couple in Double Fatal Traffic Crash Near Boardman Identified

An OSP trooper was one of the witnesses to the collision, when he spotted a large dust cloud on the side of the freeway in the patrol car's review mirror.

Photo of fatal crash near Boardman, Oregon courtesy: Oregon State Police

(BOARDMAN, Ore.) - Oregon State Police troopers are continuing the investigation into Tuesday afternoon's single vehicle fatal crash that resulted in the death of a Monmouth, Oregon couple.

The crash occurred about ten miles west of Boardman along the eastbound lanes of Interstate 84.

According to OSP Sergeant Bob Cannon, Wednesday at approximately 5:00 p.m. a 2008 Ford F350 pickup driven by 67-year old Joanne Marien McDowell, was eastbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 155.

"Witnesses reported the pickup drifted into the center median where the driver appeared to try to bring it back onto the eastbound lanes but over-corrected."

Cannon says the pickup drove across the eastbound lanes onto the south side shoulder where it rolled at least once before coming to rest on its wheels about 60 feet from the freeway.

An OSP trooper was one of the witnesses to the collision, when he spotted a large dust cloud on the side of the freeway in the patrol car's review mirror.

Joanne McDowell was using safety restraints Cannon said, but was ejected.

Her husband/passenger, 64-year old Michael Wayne McDowell, was using safety restraints and remained inside the pickup's passenger compartment. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene.

OSP troopers from the Pendleton and Hermiston offices are continuing the investigation.

The Morrow County Sheriff's Office, ODOT, Boardman Police Department and Boardman Fire Department assisted at the scene.