Crash Claims Life of 8-Year Old Girl Near Nyssa

Police say the driver's 8-year old daughter was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

Photo of crash scene near Nyssa: Oregon State Police

(NYSSA, Ore.) - A Nyssa-area man was arrested Sunday afternoon on Manslaughter and DUII charges following a single vehicle traffic crash that resulted in the death of his daughter on Highway 201 about one mile south of Nyssa.

Oregon State Police, working in conjunction with the Malheur County District Attorney Office, are continuing the investigation.

Investigators say that Sunday at approximately 3:15 PM a 2000 Cadillac Escalade driven by 31-year old Daniel Cabello DeLeon of Nyssa, was soutbhound on Highway 201 near milepost 1 entering a left hand curve when it lost control and rolled. The vehicle came to rest on its wheels in the middle of the highway.

Police say the driver's daughter, 8-year old Clarissa Vasquez Caldera was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver was transported by ambulance to Holy Rosary Hospital in Ontario.

After being treated and released, an Oregon State Police trooper arrested him at the direction of the Malheur County District Attorney for Manslaughter in the Second Degree and Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants.

DeLeon was lodged in the Malheur County Jail. Oregon State Police troopers from the Ontario Area Command office, with the assistance of an OSP collision reconstructionist and the Malheur County District Attorney, are continuing the investigation.

Safety restraint use is pending confirmation during the follow up investigation. Assistance at the scene provided by Malheur County Sheriff's Office, Nyssa Police Department, Nyssa Fire Department, and ODOT.

An off-duty Nyssa police officer arrived on scene shortly after the crash happened. Questions regarding upcoming court appearances should be directed on Monday to the District Attorney. No further information for release at this time.