Oregon State Police troopers recently rescued an elderly driver who had earlier been reported as overdue.
The 92-year-old motorist, Larry Hendrickson, is recovering well after spending a night exposed to below-freezing temperatures.
According to the OSP, on Nov. 7, at approximately 3 p.m., troopers were notified of an overdue motorist. The motorist was last known to be traveling westbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 283 in Baker County. The following morning, troopers located the vehicle abandoned on West Airport Lane. A short distance away, the troopers discovered the elderly male driver down an embankment.
The driver had fallen down the embankment and was covered in vegetation when discovered. The OSP said Hendrickson was conscious and breathing when located by an OSP trooper and an officer from Baker City Police Department. The man had survived the night in life-threatening cold weather conditions. When located, the temperatures remained below freezing. Officers rendered first aid until emergency medical responders from Metro West Ambulance arrived and transported the driver to a local hospital.
“We are grateful for this positive outcome,” said Captain Kyle Kennedy, Oregon State Police. “Cold weather exposure can be life-threatening and another night in these conditions may have been fatal.”
Motorists are encouraged to make sure others know their travel plans and intended route in the event of unexpected travel-related complications.
