Hwy. 97 Fatal, Dec. 26

On December 23, 2016 at about 5PM, OSP Troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of a two vehicle crash on Highway 97 near milepost 155 (near Vandervert Road north of LaPine). Preliminary investigation revealed a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche was southbound on Highway 97 when the driver lost control and crossed into the northbound lane. The Chevrolet was sliding sideways when it was struck by a northbound 2003 International tractor towing a trailer. The deceased driver has been identified as Lola Maye STANPHILL, age 57, of LaPine.  The driver of the truck tractor, Philip J CLARK, age 54, of Bend, was not injured. Current highway conditions at the time of the crash were snow and ice. Highway 97 was closed for almost three hours while the scene was investigated.