Pendleton, Oregon Woman Lisa J. Kopetski Dies After Rear-End Collision on I-82, Authorities Report

PENDLETON, Ore. — Lisa J. Kopetski, 68, of Pendleton, tragically died Monday afternoon following a rear-end collision on Interstate 82. According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Kopetski was driving her Honda CRV westbound when traffic slowed ahead, leading to the fatal impact.

The incident occurred near milepost 172, where drivers frequently encounter congestion during peak afternoon hours. Investigators reported that Kopetski reduced her speed in response to slowing traffic, but a Jeep Cherokee failed to stop in time, striking her vehicle from behind.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene shortly after 2:30 p.m., finding Kopetski unresponsive in her vehicle. Paramedics provided immediate medical attention, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that no other fatalities occurred in the collision.

The driver of the Jeep Cherokee, whose identity has not been released, remained at the scene and cooperated with officers. WSP noted that speed and following distance are critical factors in rear-end collisions, and the investigation will determine whether negligence played a role.

Traffic on I-82 was temporarily diverted while emergency crews cleared the vehicles and conducted their investigation. Commuters faced delays of over an hour, with some detours routed through nearby U.S. Highway 395 and local roads in Pendleton.

Authorities reminded drivers to maintain safe distances and adjust speed according to road conditions. Rear-end collisions remain one of the most common types of traffic accidents in the region, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities, particularly among older adults.

Family members of Kopetski released a brief statement expressing their grief, describing her as a devoted mother, grandmother, and community member. “Our hearts are broken, and we ask for privacy as we mourn her loss,” the statement read.

WSP officials encouraged anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have dashcam footage to come forward, as such evidence could assist in the ongoing investigation. No citations or charges have been reported at this time.

The crash highlights the importance of cautious driving, especially on busy highways like I-82, where sudden slowdowns can create dangerous chain-reaction collisions. Local safety campaigns continue to stress defensive driving and attentiveness on open roadways.

Kopetski’s death serves as a somber reminder of how quickly traffic incidents can become fatal. Authorities urge all drivers to remain vigilant, obey traffic laws, and ensure their vehicles are well-maintained to prevent similar tragedies in the future.