ODFW Mourns Loss of Valued Friend and Employee

Tami Wagner, ODFW wildlife biologist - Photo by ODFW-

NEWPORT, Ore.—Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Assistant District Biologist Tami Wagner, 52, died in a car accident on Highway 20 at the intersection of Highway 229 in the Toledo area on Mon. Oct. 25, 2010 while on duty.

Wagner worked for ODFW for 21 years.

“The ODFW family is in mourning. Tami Wagner was very well liked and well respected—both in the agency and in the community—out hearts go out to her family,” said Rick Klumph, ODFW Watershed Manager.

“She gave so much of herself to the work and always tried to find a positive solution to any problem. Really, the loss is immeasurable.”

According to the Oregon State Police at approximately 3:37 p.m. a 2004 Chevrolet passenger car driven by MARTHA LOCKHART, age 82, from Olivehurst, California, was stopped facing north on Highway 229 at the intersection with Highway 20.  The Chevrolet began to cross Highway 20 directly in the path of an eastbound 2006 Freightliner truck pulling an empty pole trailer operated by MICHAEL McCUEN, age 57, from Fall Creek.  The Chevrolet struck the passenger side of the Freightliner truck leading to the pole trailer flipping onto its side and colliding with the 2006 Chevrolet pickup that was being driven by Wagner.

During the collision the pole trailer detached and was entangled with the Chevrolet pickup, coming to an uncontrolled stop blocking the Highway 20 westbound lane.  The Chevrolet passenger car driven by LOCKHART came to rest on the south shoulder of Highway 20.  The Freightliner truck came to a stop just east of the crash scene on the south shoulder.

Wagner, who is a Lincoln City resident, was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The pickup she was operating is registered to the State of Oregon.  For more information about the accident, contact Oregon State Police.