Riley Finnegan McGowan Obituary, UMATILLA COUNTY, Ore. — Riley Finnegan McGowan, 21, of Woodinville, Washington, has died following a vehicle crash on Interstate 84 near Pendleton, Oregon, on Tuesday afternoon, August 11, 2026. McGowan was a passenger in a Honda CR-V that left the freeway, became airborne, crashed onto Highway 395, and caught fire, according to the Oregon State Police.
The fatal crash occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. near the intersection of Interstate 84 and Highway 395 in Umatilla County. Oregon State Police said troopers responded to the scene and found that the Honda CR-V had been traveling eastbound on I-84 before leaving the roadway for reasons that remain under investigation.
After leaving the interstate, the SUV entered the median and became airborne before landing in the center of Highway 395. The vehicle caught fire following the impact and was quickly engulfed in flames. Emergency responders worked to assist those involved in the crash.
Troopers were able to remove the driver, 51-year-old Jeffrey Downer McGowan of Woodinville, from the burning vehicle. Jeffrey McGowan suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.
Riley Finnegan McGowan suffered fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene by responding authorities. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, and officials have not released additional details about what caused the SUV to leave Interstate 84.
The crash affected traffic on Highway 395 for approximately two hours as emergency crews, investigators, and transportation officials worked at the scene. The response involved multiple agencies, including the Pendleton Police Department, Pendleton Fire & Ambulance, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
As investigators continue reviewing the circumstances of the Umatilla County crash, Oregon State Police have not announced any contributing factors or additional findings. Further information may be released as the investigation progresses.
Riley Finnegan McGowan’s passing leaves behind family, friends, and loved ones mourning the loss of a young life taken too soon. Her memory will be honored by those who knew her as authorities continue their work to understand the events that led to the tragic crash.