I-84 Fatal, Multnomah Co., Jan. 2

On Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at approximately 2:06 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus tree crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 40, in Multnomah County. The preliminary investigation indicated a black Dodge Ram, operated by Rick Williams (43) of Baker City, towing a U-Haul dolly trailer, was traveling eastbound on I-84, near milepost 40. Prior to a tunnel, a tree fell and struck the passenger’s side of the pickup. The passenger, Paula Chamu Sanchez (20) of Baker City, died from the impact of the tree. The driver was transported to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center for injuries. The freeway was closed for approximately 2.5 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted. OSP was assisted by the Multnomah County Sheriffs’ Department and ODOT.