SHERMAN COUNTY, OR - The Oregon State Police is reporting that on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at approximately 11:58 A.M., OSP received a 911 call for a welfare check of a subject lying face down in the gravel in front of his silver 2015 Ford F350 crew cab pulling his 2019 Keystone Cougar travel trailer.
OSP Troopers found a truck and trailer matching that description on I-84 exit 109 westbound parked at the bottom of the off-ramp.
OSP Troopers made contact with the driver, who was now behind the wheel of the truck and unresponsive. The driver was identified as Derek Martell (38). Derek Martell had severe head trauma and was life-flighted to an area hospital for treatment. Derek Martell was returning home to Veneta, Oregon from an Elk hunting trip in Eastern Oregon with friends. Photos are of Derek Martell, his truck, and his camper.
OSP Troopers found out that Derek spoke to his wife at 11:30 A.M. and there were no reported issues. The 911 call was received 28 minutes later. Troopers located Derek at 12:26 P.M. and requested EMS at 12:27 P.M.
OSP is requesting anyone who might have been traveling from Arlington to Rufus during that time of day or anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-442-2068 or *OSP from your mobile reference case #: SP21274660.
