Gresham Man Dies in Oregon Highway Work Zone Crash (PHOTOS)

Police say the ODOT work zone was well-marked for approximately two miles prior to the location where traffic was to merge to the right lane.

(GRESHAM, Ore.) - Police say a Gresham-area man died Monday afternoon when the pickup he was driving collided into the rear of a stopped ODOT highway maintenance truck in a work zone on Interstate 84 west of Cascade Locks.

This was the second traffic crash involving vehicles approaching areas where ODOT personnel were conducting maintenance or work zone activity, and is a reminder of the need to be attentive at all times while driving. The other was a non-injury crash east of The Dalles on Interstate 84.

Oregon State Police Recruit Trooper Alex Monarch says today at approximately 3:12 p.m. an ODOT maintenance truck with a crash absorber box and illuminated arrow sign was positioned stationary in the left eastbound lane of Interstate 84 near milepost 35.

The ODOT work zone was well-marked for approximately two miles prior to the location where traffic was to merge to the right lane, Monarch said.

A 1997 Chevrolet Astro van driven by 57-year old Dorin Tapu of Gresham, was following a co-worker's vehicle eastbound in the left lane.

The co-worker merged to the right lane as directed by signs and arrows on the ODOT truck, but police say Mr. Tapu failed to merge right and crashed into the back of the ODOT crash absorber box. After impact the pickup glanced to the right and collided with a guardrail.

Dorin Tapu was reportedly not using safety restraints and died at the scene. Cascade Locks Fire Department personnel responded to provide initial medical treatment before he died.

The ODOT truck's operator, 45-year old Brian Bowlby, assigned at the Cascade Locks ODOT office, was not injured.

OSP troopers from the Portland Area Command office are continuing the investigation. Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, ODOT, Multnomah County medical examiner and victim's assistance volunteers from the Trauma Intervention Program assisted at the scene. Monarch said the right eastbound lane was closed during the investigation until about 6:00 p.m.

In an ODOT news release and safety event earlier this month, Oregonians were asked to remember there will of record levels of highway and bridge work as we approach the time of year when we are used to seeing orange signs, cones and barrels pop up along Oregon's roads.

Governor Kulongoski has proclaimed May as Transportation Safety month. Along with ODOT and OSP, Governor Kulongoski encourages Oregonians to do their part in keeping Oregon's roadways safe.

An average of 465 work zone crashes occurs each year. The majority of people injured or killed in these crashes are drivers, passengers or pedestrians, not workers. The single biggest factor in crashes is driver inattention; that's why orange cones, variable message signs and other tools are used to alert motorists. The other major contributing factor is speed, which is why work zones require lower speed limits.

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Diana Halitchi-Alahdal and Mohammed May 27, 2009 7:42 am (Pacific time)

Dear Elena and family, My mother, my husband and I have been very sad for you since we heard about your loss and we would like to send you our deepest condolences to both of you and your mom. May God rest him in peace.

Rachelle & Marcelo Camargo May 16, 2009 6:59 pm (Pacific time)

Dear Elena and family, We have been very sad for you since we heard of your loss. We pray that the Lord will comfort you in this deep sorrow.

Mrs. Ross May 15, 2009 12:52 pm (Pacific time)

Yes, I will be there with some of your classmates and their parents. We love you Alex and our prayers are with you and your family.

alex PAES May 15, 2009 10:06 am (Pacific time)

Are you coming to the memorial service today Mrs.Ross? Love, Alex

Lidia Hutuleac May 14, 2009 11:37 pm (Pacific time)

Patrick you are so right about your dad! I want you to know he was very proud of you, his children.We don't know you but he told us many times about you and how smart are his kids. We are praying that Heavenly Father will take care of all you. Elena and Alex I whish I can ease your pain... I can't... but Jesus Christ can do it!

Mrs. Ross - Teacher May 14, 2009 9:19 pm (Pacific time)

Dear Alex and Family, Your father Dorin spoke to me Monday morning of the wonderful time he had Mother's Day week-end with all of you at Maryhill Museum. He was so happy and his smile I will remember!It was clear to me how much he loved you all and how much he enjoyed this time together. I will miss his morning visits to our classroom. What a blessed hope we have to know that he rests in Jesus and His everlasting love. Sending you my love and prayers for comfort and hope!

john from school PAES May 14, 2009 4:13 pm (Pacific time)

Dear Alex, this is john Im sorry what happened.Alex your dad was a very nice man. I feel very sorry for you. Alex I pray that I see him in Heaven and you. I am going to come to the memorial service.

Coach Dixie May 14, 2009 8:54 am (Pacific time)

Alex, Bless your little heart! We do miss you on the soccer field. Your teammates at PAES told me about the loss of your father Tuesday. Lots of hugs for you kiddo!

gabriela hutuleac May 13, 2009 10:08 pm (Pacific time)

dear alex...and ryan I am so so sorry for your loss I remember your dad he was a nice man.I know you will see in heaven.

Manuela May 13, 2009 7:39 pm (Pacific time)

Elena, Alex and the whole family: We've been thinking of you these past few days and pray that you are strong as time goes on. This is indeed a sad day that reminds us how fragile all our lives are. Cornell has worked with Dorin quite often since he moved to Oregon, most recently last February, but he was often comming to his office to spend time sharing his latest business ideas. He will be greatly missed. You are in our prayers. Cornell and Manuela Mann

Adina May 13, 2009 4:19 pm (Pacific time)

Alex I'm sending you BIG HUGS and I will see you on Thursday. Dorin was my dad too. What a sad and shocking few days for all of his kids. I saw Dad last toward the end of February. He stayed with my husband and I for about two weeks and cooked some yummy food! And less than a week ago I spoke to him on the phone. But I am confident we'll see Dad again in heaven.

alex May 13, 2009 12:37 pm (Pacific time)

How did youfind out coach? We will all miss him. Sorry about missing the soccer game.

Alex May 13, 2009 8:57 am (Pacific time)

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Love from your soccer team and coaches!

Ervin G. May 13, 2009 8:31 am (Pacific time)

My condoleances to Patrick, Alex, Elena and the entire family. I knew Dorin and his family eversince I was a kid in Brasov. We went to the same church. We kept in touch while we lived in California and most recently in Portland. He helped my father last summer when he came to visit and they worked on a couple of jobs together here in Portland. He had a great sense of humor and will be greatly missed. May God wrap his loving arms around you all as you go through this most difficult time. Ervin Gruia

Andy,Juliu & Leea May 12, 2009 11:33 pm (Pacific time)

Dear Alex and Ryan Tapu "Be strong and courageous.Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,for the LORD your God goes with you;he will never leave you nor forsake you".Dt 31:6 Also we send our deepest condolences to both of you and your mom.

Alma Balaban May 12, 2009 8:46 pm (Pacific time)

Dear Patrick, You don't know us but we've known your family well back when we lived in California (we're now in Georgia). We got along well with both your parents. Your dad was a great guy! We'll miss him! Cherish the memories and look forward to the Great Reunion! Be strong in Jesus. Our deepest condolences, Alma and Silviu Balaban

alex tapu May 12, 2009 3:12 pm (Pacific time)

he is my father too. I will deeply miss him. I feel as sad as you Patick. Hope you will still come to visit me.

alex May 12, 2009 6:44 pm (Pacific time)

I was his son too. Patrick is going to come in Oregon for the memorial service. I will really miss him. Everybody in my class made me cards. Some gave me gifts. I'll miss you dad. I will be looking forward to when Jesus comes to see dad again.

vio May 12, 2009 3:28 pm (Pacific time)

I'm so sorry for what happened yesterday on 84 East and I was there when the acident happened. I saw him the last minuts of his life. Then he passed away.

Andreea Paunescu May 12, 2009 10:33 am (Pacific time)

Patrick.....We are so sorry to hear what happened. It came as a shock to all of us. We hope you'll be strong and know that everyone is here for you.

Anonymous May 12, 2009 8:03 am (Pacific time)

Roland, "we have this hope that burns within our hearts: Hope in the coming of the Lord!" These are not my own words, but they reflect my belief and yours. Yes, we long for that day - and it will be soon - when we will meet our parents again. My name is Natalia Gramada and I am a friend of the family. My condoleances to you and your family.

Diana Lovin May 12, 2009 7:18 am (Pacific time)

Oh no Patrick!!...... I am so so deeply sorry for this and I'm in tears for you right now... I remember your father from a very long time ago and you are right that he was a smart man. I can't believe this happened.... But, God knows and controls everything. Find comfort in Him and know that we are all in His hands...

Cynthia & Aykut May 12, 2009 6:09 am (Pacific time)

Patrick, We are deeply saddened and sorry for your loss. We are all here for you and praying for you and your family. We send you our deepest condolences.

Cecilia May 11, 2009 11:48 pm (Pacific time)

I love you Patrick and if you ever need a hug or an ear and shoulder...I am here for you. Tears stream down my face currently, feeling the hurt it must be that you are going through right now...but I am sure not to the degree that you are struggling with. I send you many hugs and kisses.

Roland Patrick Tapu May 11, 2009 10:57 pm (Pacific time)

This is my Father who died today. I have not seen him for a few years now. I was supposed to visit him this year. I was going to bring my fiance with me so she can meet him. I wanted to watch a UFC fight with him. I Love him, I loved him and I will continue to Love him. There are some things I hold dear to my heart because of him. He was not a perfect human being (as none of us are), but he was a smart man. He had alot of ideas and dreams. He had a big heart underneath the rough exterior. I will miss him and am truly saddened in my heart that I did not get the chance to see him and tell him one more time that I love him. Most likely no one will read this, maybe one person...but this is something I needed to get off of my chest. I pray that I see him in Heaven. I know he did love the Lord..he struggled and wrestled with God through out his life, but he did Love him and never gave up his walk with Jesus Christ.

Roland Patrick Tapu

Editor: Roland, we offer you our deepest condolences

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