Crash Kills Arizona Man Near Baker City

Oregon State Police troopers from the Baker City work site are continuing the investigation.

Photo of crash scene: Oregon State Police

(BAKER CITY, Ore.) - A Mesa, Arizona man died and his wife was injured Monday afternoon when their sport utility vehicle lost control and rolled eastbound on Interstate 84 about ten miles east of Baker City.

Police say that around 3:25 PM Monday,, a 2003 Ford Excursion towing a travel trailer was being operated by 76-year old Dean J. Phelps of Mesa, Arizona eastbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 318.

As the Ford was in the left eastbound lane completing a pass of a commercial truck, for unknown reasons the driver lost control and the travel trailer went sideways hitting the center barrier.

The Ford rolled as it separated from the travel trailer and came to rest on its top blocking the right eastbound lane. The travel trailer came to rest on its side blocking both eastbound lanes.

Dean Phelps, who was using safety restraints, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

His wife, 75-year old Patricia Phelps was also using safety restraints and was trapped in the vehicle. It took Baker City fire personnel about 30 minutes to extricate her from the vehicle. She was transported to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Baker City with unknown injuries.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Baker City work site are continuing the investigation. Baker County Sheriff's Office, Baker City Fire Department and ODOT assisted at the scene. Eastbound lanes of Interstate 84 were closed about three hours.