On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at approximately 4:53 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 20, near milepost 85, in Harney County. The preliminary investigation indicated a 1997 Peterbilt and trailer, operated by Darrell Thew (57) of Montana, was eastbound when for unknown reasons it crossed into the westbound lane and struck a 2023 Freightliner and trailer, operated by Beth Mckinnon (57) of Orlando (FL), which was in the westbound lane. Both units came to an uncontrolled rest in the westbound lane. The operator of the Peterbilt (Thew) was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Freightliner (Beth Mckinnon) and passenger, James Mckinnon (62) of Orlando (FL), were declared deceased at the scene. Both lanes of Hwy 20 were closed for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by the Burns-Hine Fire Department, the Harney County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT.
