On Monday, November 14, 2022 at approximately 6:36 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 20 near milepost 16. Preliminary investigation revealed a westbound silver Toyota Yaris, operated by Kevin Gonzales (30) of Redmond, crossed over into oncoming traffic and collided with a red Freightliner, operated by Kyle Kemper (40) of Lebanon. The Freightliner truck is owned by the Lebanon Fire Department and is commonly known as a “pumper truck”. Prior to the collision the Toyota was reported to be driving erratically and impairment is being investigated as a contributing factor. Gonzales sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Kemper received minor injuries. Hwy 20 was affected for approximately 4 hours while the OSP Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated the scene. OSP was assisted by Lebanon Fire Department, Lebanon Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Police Department, Redmond Police Department and ODOT.
