On Thursday, June 15, 2023, at approximately 3:20 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-197, near milepost 44, in Wasco County. The preliminary investigation indicated a red Pontiac Vibe, operated by Nicholas Lawrence Mueller (31) of Maupin, was traveling northbound on Hwy 197 when it began turn into a driveway. A northbound Suzuki K6R, operated by Devan Lee Nelson (26) of Tygh Valley, was behind the Pontiac and struck the rear of the vehicle for unknown reasons. The operator of the Suzuki (Nelson) was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Pontiac (Mueller) was not injured. The roadway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by the Wasco County Sheriff’s Department, Maupin Ambulance and ODOT.
