Roseburg man dies while driving

YouNewsTV™

Story Published: May 7, 2008 at 11:48 AM PDT

By Dan Bain

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ROSEBURG, Ore. - A Roseburg man died from an apparent medical problem while he was driving his car northbound on Interstate 5 May 6 on Roberts Mountain south of Roseburg.

Oregon State Police said 68-year-old Ralph Phelps was driving his 1992 Cadillac.

OSP Sgt. Steve Mitchell said the car hit the center barrier. Phelps' wife grabbed the wheel and steered the car to the right shoulder.

"Damage to the vehicle was very minimal, which leads us to believe the death is not from the crash," said Mitchell.

Mitchell said the wife may have saved her life and the passenger's life by taking quick action.

"It appears that given the location of where the incident took place, it is most likely she saved her own life and her mother's life by taking the action that she did."

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