On June 25, 2017 at approximately 3:00 PM, Oregon State Police and emergency workers responded to a five vehicle (double fatal) crash on US Highway (Hwy) 20 near the Black Butte Ranch entrance. The preliminary investigation revealed Unit #1, a 1996 Subaru Legacy, driven by Ethan G. Moreschi (age 28 from Bend, Oregon) was eastbound on Hwy 20 near Milepost (MP) 93. The Subaru Legacy crossed the centerline and struck Unit #2, a westbound 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by Katherine L. Sales (age 80 from Eugene). Both Moreschi and Sales were pronounced deceased at the scene. Unit #3 was a westbound 2004 HOLR Motorhome, driven by Robert A. Lounsbury (age 49 from North Bend a Sgt. with the Coos Bay Police Dept.) and was towing Unit #4 a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. Lounsbury attempted to avoid the first collision and struck Unit #5, which was an eastbound 1998 Volkswagen Jetta. The Jetta was being driven by Timothy R. Thompson (age 28 from Newberg). Thompson was air transported to St. Charles with critical life threatening injuries. Lounsbury was ground transported to St. Charles with minor injuries. Lounsbury’s passenger, Tammy R. Lounsbury (age 53 from North Bend) was not injured. Both Moreschi and Thompson knew each other and it is believed they were with each other shortly before the crash. Impairment is being considered as a contributing factor for both Moreschi and Thompson. The highway was affected for approximately six hours. ODOT, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Black Butte Police Department, and Sisters Fire and Rescue assisted OSP.
