On Monday, January 15, 2018 at approximately 5:15PM, Oregon State Police responded to the report of a commercial motor vehicle and trailer that had crashed westbound off I-84 near milepost 23, just east of Corbett. It was reported the CMV had left the roadway, crashed through the guardrail and rolled down a steep embankment, landing on its side along the shore of the Columbia River. Initial investigation revealed a 2015 International Prostar CMV was operated by 52 year old Suzanne BRAULT from Quebec, Canada. BRAULT had been driving in the slow lane of the interstate and traveled out of her lane and onto the shoulder as she was checking her side mirror in preparation to move into the fast lane. At the point she traveled out of her lane and onto the shoulder, BRAULT struck a parked 1995 Chevy Tahoe that had run out of fuel and was disabled along the shoulder. The Tahoe had been operated by 53 year old Patrick SHEEHAN Jr. from Portland and his 47 year old passenger, Addison BLACKMON III also from Portland. After striking the Tahoe, BRAULT’s CMV and trailer, loaded with food supplies, crashed through the guardrail and traveled down a steep embankment, rolling onto its passenger side along the shoreline of the Columbia River. BRAULT, SHEEHAN Jr. and BLACKMON III were all out of their vehicles upon law enforcement’s arrival. BRAULT was transported to Emanuel hospital by ground ambulance for non-life threatening injuries. SHEEHAN Jr. and BLACKMON III were also transported by ground ambulance to OHSU for minor or non- life threatening injuries. The interstate was restricted to one lane of travel for approximately three hours while this investigation was conducted. The shoulder will remain closed in this area throughout the night and should not affect traffic. During daylight hours tomorrow, January 16th, motorists can expect intermittent lane closures and traffic restrictions as the CMV is removed. Please check tripcheck.com for updated information regarding any potential traffic impacts in that area.
