Oregon State Police are continuing the investigation into Wednesday afternoons, April 22, fatal traffic crash on Highway 207 near milepost 1 in Morrow County. According to Lieutenant Mike Turner, on April 22nd at approximately 1:13pm, Troopers from the OSP Hermiston and Pendleton offices responded to a reported fatal crash on HWY 207 near milepost 1 in Morrow County which blocked both north and southbound lanes of travel. Preliminary investigation revealed a red, 2009 Honda Fit, operated by NEAL REAU,age 35, from Richland Washington, was traveling southbound when for an unknown reasons the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve and crossed into the northbound lane; sideswiping a white, 2009 Chevy pickup towing a flatbed trailer. The driver of the Chevy pickup, identified as THEODORE BITHER, age 44, of Echo Oregon, was transported to the hospital in Heppner with minor injuries. REAU was pronounced deceased at the scene. The highway remained closed for approximately 5 hours while Troopers investigated the crash and to allow for the removal of the vehicles.
