Crash involves multiple fatalities in Malheur County
By Logan Bagett on Friday, July 7th, 2023 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
VALE – (Press Release from the Oregon State Police)
On Thursday, July 6, 2023, at approximately 8:30 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-20, near milepost 235, in Malheur County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a 2005 Kia Sedona, operated by Lance Lightfoot (62) of Meridian (ID), was eastbound, when for an unknown reason, it left its lane of travel and crossed into westbound lane where it collided with an oncoming 2015 Nissan sedan, operated by Cecilia Loma (27) of Carson (CA). As a result of the collision, both vehicles caught fire and all of the occupants of both vehicles were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Kia (Lightfoot) was declared decease at the scene.
The occupants of the Nissan, Cecilia Loma (27) of Carson (CA); Erik Ortiz (26) of Carson (CA); a 15 yr old male juvenile; an 8 month old female, were all declared deceased at the scene.
The highway was closed for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted at the scene by the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, Vale Fire & Ambulance and ODOT.
