On Sunday, March 12, 2023, at approximately 1:00 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus motorcycle crash on Hwy 203, at the Interstate 84 overpass. The preliminary investigation indicated a 2007 Ford F-350 pickup, operated by Robert Lee Drinkard (77) of Moro, exited I-84 (eastbound exit 298) when the operator entered the intersection at the top of the off-ramp. The pickup drove into the path of a 2020 Harley Davidson, operated by Ryan James Brecko (27) of Baker City, who was eastbound on the Hwy 203 overpass (crossing I-84). The rider was thrown from the motorcycle and suffered critical injuries during the collision. An Oregon State Trooper was traveling in front of the motorcycle and immediately responded to the scene. The Trooper activated emergency medical services and provided emergency medical care to the injured rider. The motorcyclist was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The operator of the pickup remained on scene and cooperated with investigators. The investigation is on-going and will be submitted to the District Attorney at the conclusion. The highway traffic was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by ODOT, the Baker County Sheriffs’ Office and Metro West Ambulance.
