MORROW COUNTY, Ore — Tragedy struck on Interstate 84 late Friday night when 38-year-old Austin Scott Yager of Bend, Oregon, was killed in a two-vehicle collision after his car suffered a mechanical failure and became disabled on the roadway.
Crash Details
According to the Oregon State Police (OSP), the crash occurred around 11:43 p.m. on September 12, 2025, at the milepost 159 on-ramp in Morrow County. Investigators said Yager was driving an eastbound Volkswagen Jetta when the car suddenly broke down on the ramp.
The failure left the vehicle without visible lights, making it nearly impossible for approaching drivers to see. Yager exited the vehicle as it stalled in the traffic lane. Moments later, a Freightliner semi-truck, driven by 33-year-old Adonis Marcial of Miami, Florida, entered the on-ramp and collided with the stationary Volkswagen.
Yager was struck during the incident and was pronounced dead at the scene. Marcial was not injured.
Emergency Response
Emergency personnel from the Boardman Police Department, Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, Boardman Fire Department, and ODOT responded alongside OSP troopers. Investigators processed the scene overnight and confirmed that impairment did not play a role in the crash.
Authorities also noted that traffic was not significantly impacted during the investigation, as crews worked quickly to clear the roadway and maintain flow along the busy interstate.
Remembering Austin Scott Yager
Family and friends of Austin Scott Yager are reeling from the sudden loss. Yager, 38, was described by loved ones as a caring, hardworking man who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His unexpected passing has sent shockwaves through the Bend community, where he lived and worked.
Community members have already begun sharing tributes online, with many expressing heartbreak over the preventable nature of the tragedy. “Austin was always the first to help others — it’s hard to believe he’s gone,” one friend shared.
A Stark Reminder of Highway Dangers
Officials say Yager’s death highlights the dangers of breakdowns on high-speed roadways. Without working hazard lights, disabled vehicles are often nearly invisible to approaching traffic, especially at night.
“We encourage all drivers to ensure their vehicles are well-maintained and to use caution if you experience a breakdown,” OSP said in a statement. “If possible, pull completely off the roadway and call for assistance immediately.”
Ongoing Investigation
While investigators have ruled out impairment and determined the crash was accidental, the Oregon State Police confirmed that the case remains under review. Officials are working to reconstruct the collision and review the mechanical failure that left Yager’s car disabled in a dangerous position.
No further details have been released at this time.
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