MORROW COUNTY, Ore. — A late-night traffic tragedy on Interstate 84 claimed the life of 38-year-old Austin Scott Yager of Bend, Oregon, after his vehicle became disabled and was struck by a semi-truck on Friday, September 12, 2025.
The Oregon State Police reported that Yager was operating a Volkswagen Jetta on the eastbound on-ramp near milepost 159 when the vehicle suffered a mechanical failure. According to preliminary investigations, the failure left the vehicle without any operational lights, creating a dangerous situation on the roadway. At the time of the collision, Yager had exited the vehicle and was standing nearby.
An eastbound Freightliner, operated by 33-year-old Adonis Marcial of Miami, Florida, entered the on-ramp and collided with the stationary Volkswagen. Emergency personnel from the Boardman Police Department, Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire services responded promptly, but Yager was pronounced deceased at the scene. Marcial, the semi-truck driver, was unharmed.
The crash remains under investigation by the Oregon State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit, led by Trooper Matt Smith, who is working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision. Authorities have confirmed that no other vehicles were involved and that highway traffic was not impacted during the on-scene investigation.
Oregon State Police emphasized the importance of roadway safety, particularly when vehicles experience mechanical failures, noting that disabled vehicles without lighting can pose serious risks to drivers and first responders alike.
Family, friends, and the Bend community are mourning the loss of Yager, remembered as a devoted family man and member of his local community. Messages of condolences and support have poured in on social media, as neighbors and acquaintances come to terms with the sudden and tragic loss.
Troopers were assisted at the scene by Boardman Fire and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), who helped secure the site and ensure public safety during the investigation. Officials continue to urge drivers to exercise caution on highways, especially during nighttime conditions and when encountering stationary or disabled vehicles.
Anyone with information regarding this tragic incident is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Pikeville Post for further details.