Fatal Hwy. 20, Aug. 16

On Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at approximately 4:35 A.M. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a motor vehicle crash on Hwy 20 near milepost 88.5 approximately 40 miles west of Burns, OR. Preliminary investigation revealed a Ford F350 pickup had been traveling westbound towing a 40′ gooseneck trailer loaded with two GMC pickups.  The Ford F350 became disabled and came to a stop partially blocking the westbound lane.  A Kenworth CMV, operated by Lloyd Theen (69) of Winlock, WA, was also traveling westbound and struck the  trailer forcing the vehicle combination off the roadway and onto the shoulder.  The operator of the Ford F350, identified as Nicholas Fagen (77) of Bend, OR, was outside of the vehicle working under the hood when his vehicle was struck. Fagen sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.  A passenger in the Ford F350, identified as Danny Reinhart (61)  of Bend, OR, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. Theen was not injured in the crash.  Approximately 100-125 gallons of diesel fuel spilled onto the roadway and into the ditch of the westbound lane.  An environmental contractor (SMAF) responded to the scene for cleanup. The westbound lane was closed for several hours to complete the investigation and the Haz-Mat cleanup.  ODOT provided traffic control during the event.