Police Investigate Fatal Traffic Crash Near La Grande

A Subaru driven by 63-year Karen Kalac of La Grande, was westbound on Highway 237 when it lost control and crossed into the eastbound lane.

Photo of crash scene: Oregon State Police

(LA GRANDE, Ore.) - Police investigators say a La Grande-area woman died Saturday afternoon when she lost control of her station wagon on Highway 237 near La Grande and crashed with another vehicle.

Highway conditions at the time of the crash were described as covered in snow/ice, and troopers were simultaneously dealing with multiple crashes throughout their patrol area.

According to Oregon State Police Sergeant Jason Stone, on February 2, 2008 at about 1:19 PM a 2007 Subaru station wagon driven by 63-year Karen Kalac of La Grande, was traveling westbound on Highway 237 near milepost 5 when it lost control and crossed into the eastbound lane.

The Subaru crashed into an eastbound 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 1 ton pickup driven by Aaron James Rhyne of Union, whose age was not available.

Karen Kalac was pronounced deceased at the scene. Aaron Rhyne was not injured. Police say safety restraint use information was not available. OSP troopers from the La Grande Area Command office are completing the investigation. Union County Sheriff's Office, La Grande Fire Department, and ODOT assisted.