Family killed in head-on crash with truck pulloing horse trailer; dog and horse also die

MILTON-FREEWATER, Ore. -- Three members of a Pendleton-area family died late Wednesday afternoon when their car crossed Highway 11 south of Milton-Freewater and collided head-on with a pickup pulling a horse trailer.

A dog in the victims' car and a horse in the trailer also died. Oregon State Police troopers are continuing the investigation.

According to OSP Senior Trooper Jeremy Gunter at 5:37 p.m. a 2002 Buick Century driven by EDWIN VILHO NURMI, 71, from Pendleton, was southbound on Highway 11 near milepost 22 in the area of Upper Dry Creek Road in dense freezing fog conditions.  While negotiating a curve, the Buick crossed the double yellow center line and collided with a northbound 2007 Chevrolet Silverado pickup pulling a horse trailer operated by NED JOSEPH LONDO, 66, from Milton-Freewater.  Both vehicles came to rest in the northbound lane.

EDWIN NURMI and his wife and son were pronounced deceased at the scene. The other two victims are identified as wife RAE UDELL NURMI, 72, and son JOHN EDWIN NURMI, 50. Husband and wife were using safety restraints but their son was not.

LONDO was using safety restraints and the pickup's airbags deployed. He received minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to St. Mary's Medical Center in Walla Walla, Wash.

OSP troopers from the Pendleton and Milton-Freewater offices responded and are continuing the investigation.

Umatilla County Sheriff's Office, Milton-Freewater Police Department, Pendleton Police Department, Milton-Freewater Rural Fire Department and ODOT assisted at the scene. Highway 11 was closed about 4 1/2 hours during the investigation.