Falling Trees take lives of two in separate highway fatalities on Tuesday, Dec. 27

Two people were killed within an hour an a half of each other after torrential winds combined with recent ice storms caused trees to fall on Interstate 84 and Highway 26 on Tuesday, Dec. 27.

From the Oregon State Police:

On Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at approximately 2:06 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus tree crash on Interstate 84, near Cascade Locks at milepost 40, in Multnomah County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Dodge Ram, operated by Rick Williams (43) of Baker City, towing a U-Haul dolly trailer, was traveling eastbound on I-84, near milepost 40. Prior to a tunnel, a tree fell and struck the passenger’s side of the pickup. The passenger, Paula Chamu Sanchez (20) of Baker City, died from the impact of the tree.

The driver was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center for injuries. 

The freeway was closed for approximately 2.5 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.

OSP was assisted by the Multnomah County Sheriff's Department and ODOT.

On Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at approximately 3:26 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on HWY 26, near milepost 64, in Wasco County.

The preliminary investigation indicated that due to winter weather, which included snow and strong winds, a large tree fell onto the cab of an eastbound Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle, operated by James Darron Lyda (53) of Prineville, causing it to lose control and leave the highway. The lone occupant and operator of the Peterbilt was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel. 

The highway was closed for approximately 3 hours during the on-scene investigation.

OSP was assisted by Hoodland Fire, Warms Springs Fire, and ODOT.