East of Burns Fatality Victim’s Names, Feb. 4

Two drivers were killed in a crash on US Hwy 20 near milepost (MP) 166 just east of Burns. On February 1, 2016 at 12:31 PM OSP troopers were dispatched to a two vehicle crash on US Hwy 20 near Burns. Both drivers died as a result of their injuries. Witness information reported a red 2015 Chevrolet pick-up, driven by Mr. Robert L. Heath, age 65, from Christmas Valley, Oregon, was traveling eastbound on US Hwy 20. Mr. Heath attempted to pass a commercial motor vehicle when it struck a westbound 2000 white Cadillac driven by Mr. Milton J. Kowalski Jr., age 71, from Redmond. The vehicles collided head-on and came to rest blocking highway 20. Mr. Kowalski Jr. was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash. The passenger of the Cadillac, Ms. Darlene McGown, age 69, from Redmond and Mr. Heath were air-lifted to St. Alphonsus in Boise with critical injures. Mr. Heath died at the hospital a few hours after the crash. The highway was completely closed for two hours and partially for another two hours. OSP was assisted by Hines Fire Department, Harney County EMS, and ODOT.