Wrong way driver killed in Malheur County crash

By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

MALHEUR COUNTY — (Release from the Oregon State Police) On Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 9:34 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 84, near milepost 373, in Malheur County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Traci Nichole Dripps (55) of Nampa (ID), was travelling eastbound in the westbound lanes when it struck a westbound Ford F-350, operated by Mason Allen Orme (32) of Huntington, head-on.

Oregon State Police had received a driving complaint about the wrong way driver approximately six minutes before the crash occurred and law enforcement was en route at the time of the crash.

The operator of the Chevrolet (Dripps) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Ford (Orme) was life flighted to an area hospital with serious injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

OSP was assisted by Ontario Fire, Ontario Police Department, Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT.