Malheur Co. Fatal, Aug. 24

On August 20, 2015 at about 10:38 a.m., OSP Troopers and emergency crews responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on Interstate 84 near milepost 357 (Ontario). According to Lieutenant Mark Duncan, a 2010 Dodge Sprinter 2500 van operated by Mark M. VORONKOVICH, age 23, of Auburn, WA, was traveling westbound on I-84 near milepost 357 and approaching the rear of a 1999 Freightliner Conventional Truck and semi-trailer combination that was operated by John D. MINDY, age 58, of Tremont, PA. MINDY was traveling down Three Mile Hill with his hazard lights activated at approximately 20 MPH, in the slow lane, when VORONKOVICH’s vehicle crashed into the back of the commercial combination. Emergency crews arrived on scene and declared VORONKOVICH deceased and was later extricated from the vehicle. MINDY was not injured. Preliminary investigation indicates that distracted driving does appear to be a potential cause for the crash. OSP was assisted by the Huntington Fire and Ambulance, Treasure Valley Paramedics, Ontario Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. I-84 was closed for approximately 20 minutes and the investigation is ongoing.