Bear Causes Fatal Accident Hwy. 26, June 4

On Saturday June 2, 2018 at approximately 7:00 PM, Oregon State Police and other emergency personnel responded to the area of milepost 80 on Hwy 26 (Warm Springs) for a multi-vehicle crash.  Preliminary investigation shows that a motorcycle ridden by Rhett LARSEN, age 39, from Bend was travelling east when  a large bear ran into his path.  He was unable to avoid the bear and struck the bear (deceased) in the eastbound lane.  Larsen was thrown from his motorcycle and was struck by a westbound Ford SUV pulling a utility trailer driven by Margaret SWEO, age 57, from Oregon City.  SWEO’s vehicle traveled off the roadway and rolled onto its side. SWEO was transported by Life Flight to a hospital.  LARSEN suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The roadway was closed for nearly 6 hours with a detour in place.  Bend Fire Dept. release – Saturday night, June 2, the Bend Fire Department (BFD) suffered a tragic loss. Rhett Larsen, a BFD engineer, was killed in an off-duty traffic accident while traveling on Hwy 26. Preliminary investigation shows that Rhett was traveling eastbound when a large bear ran into his path. He was unable to avoid the bear and struck the bear causing him to be thrown from his motorcycle. Rhett was pronounced deceased at the scene. The following is a note from Bend Firefighters, Local 227: ‘Rhett was not only an exceptional firefighter, he was a loyal friend, respected mentor, and loving father. The loss of such a fun-loving, energetic soul is felt deeply by both the Bend Fire Department and the Bend community.’ Oregon State Fire Fighters Council is working closely with Bend Firefighters on arrangements for Rhett’s service.