Rollover Crash Kills Baker City Man

Scene of fatal crash near Baker City Photo courtesy: Oregon State Police

(BAKER CITY) - A 19-year old Baker City resident died Monday afternoon when he lost control of the sport utility vehicle he was driving and rolled several times off Highway 30 about three miles north of Baker City.

Around 3:25 PM, a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo driven by 19-year old Jeremy Wade Bates of Baker City, was southbound on Highway 30 near milepost 47 when it drifted onto the right gravel shoulder. Police say Jeremy Bates attempted to correct the path of the vehicle but over corrected and veered into both lanes.

The Isuzu continued off the southbound shoulder and rolled several times before coming to rest on its top.

Police say Mr. Bates who was using safety restraints, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A passenger in the vehicle, 20-year old Ben Swanson of Haines, Oregon was using safety restraints and received non-life threatening injuries. Swanson was transported to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Baker City. He told investigators that Jeremy Bates was adjusting the radio when the vehicle drifted onto the shoulder and lost control.

Oregon State Police troopers from Baker City are completing the investigation. Baker County Sheriff's Office, Baker City Police, ODOT, and Baker Fire Department assisted.