Rollover crash takes life of local on tricky section of Hwy. 197

Wasco County, Ore., Oct. 7, 2025 — A Maupin man was killed Sunday, Oct. 5, around 4:30 p.m. in a single-vehicle rollover crash on Highway 197.

Oregon State Police said Howard Mcloud Mansfield, 60, was driving a gray Isuzu Rodeo northbound near milepost 37, just south of Maupin, when his vehicle crossed into the southbound lane for reasons that remain unclear.

The Rodeo struck a hillside, rolled and ejected Mansfield, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash closed the highway for about half an hour as troopers investigated, backed by Southern Wasco County Ambulance, Juniper Flat and Tygh Valley rural fire crews, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Authorities have not yet determined why Mansfield veered from his lane, and investigators are continuing to piece together the cause.

The stretch of road where Mansfield crashed contains sharp curves and limited shoulders and runs a ridge between multiple canyons.

The roadway has long stretches and multiple corners requiring reduced speeds. No other vehicles were involved in the wreck.