Hwy. 38 Fatality near Drain, June 12

On June 11, 2015, at about 5:21AM, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on HWY 38 near mile post 44 (west of Drain). Preliminary investigation has revealed that a 2010 Chrysler 300 operated by Louis J CHAVEZ, age 68, of Cressey, CA, was traveling east on HWY 38 when it drifted across the center lane and into the path of 2000 Kenworth log truck (unloaded). The operator of the truck, Robert M ROOKLAND, age 57, of Dexter, OR was not injured in the crash. After the collision, CHAVEZ’s vehicle left the roadway and came to rest on its side down a small embankment. Emergency personnel immediately responded and CHAVEZ was pronounced deceased on scene. The Westbound lane of Hwy 38 remained closed for approximately 5 hours for the investigation and removal of vehicles.