Fatal Umatilla Co., Feb. 22

On February 19, 2016 at about 4:00 p.m., Oregon State Police (OSP) Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a two vehicle crash on Highway 395, milepost 27.5 B (South of Pendleton and eight miles south of Pilot Rock). Preliminary information indicates a 1998 Buick Century sedan was traveling northbound on Hwy 395 when it failed to negotiate a left hand curve in the roadway. The Buick crossed over into the southbound lane and collided with a 1994 Lincoln Continental. The driver of the Buick, Alexxyss L. THERWHANGER, age 20, of Kennewick, Washington, was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of the Lincoln Continental, Francis (Frank) Charles WIMBERLEY, age 60, Prairie City, Oregon, was transported to Kadlec Hospital, Richland, Washington, by air ambulance with serious injuries. Donnetta Marie KULIS, age 54, Prairie City, Oregon, a passenger of Wimberley’s vehicle was transported to St. Anthony’s Hospital, Pendleton, by ambulance with serious injuries. Highway 395 was closed for approximately 1.5 hours while the investigation was conducted. Contributing factors are still being investigated.