Idaho Power contractor killed in landslide while securing rock shelf on Oregon border
A 39-year-old Oregon man was killed in a landslide Saturday while performing contract work for Idaho Power to secure a rock shelf along the Idaho-Oregon border, according to a news release from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies from Adams County in Idaho and Baker County in Oregon responded to a 911 call received by Adams County Dispatch regarding an industrial accident in Hells Canyon.
According to the call, a “significant landslide” had occurred on a stretch of road between Oxbow and Hells Canyon Dam along the Snake River, sending rocks and debris onto the workers and equipment below. Callers notified dispatch that one employee had sustained significant injuries.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies found one of the workers, Stacy Keen of Tillamook, Oregon, suspended in a boom-and-bucket truck, where he was conducting his work when the landslide occurred. Keen was struck by multiple rocks and debris and was killed as a result, according to Adams County.
The stretch of road where the landslide occurred was on the east side of the Snake River in Idaho along the Idaho Power road, also known as Hells Canyon Road. Oxbow, Oregon, is approximately a 100-mile drive from McCall along U.S. 95.
“We want to express our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who was lost and to all who have been affected by this incident,” Idaho Power safety director Bryan Brandel told the Idaho Statesman in a statement. “We care deeply about the safety of all our contractors and employees. We are still working closely with the teams involved and local authorities to understand the facts of the situation.”
Deputies used boats to rescue and transport stranded workers who survived the landslide, while Idaho Power geologists and Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials assessed the scene for additional potential landslides.
Once the area was deemed safe, first responders recovered Keen’s body.
“The Adams County sheriff would like to thank our partners with the Baker County Sheriff’s Office (for) assistance and unwavering support during this tragic incident,” the Adams County Sheriff’s Office said in the news release. “Our heart goes out (to) the family and friends of Mr. Keen.”
The stretch of road between Hells Canyon Dam and Oxbow remains closed as of Monday afternoon, Idaho Power spokesperson Maria Willacy told the Statesman. The company will update the public when it has reopened.
