Hwy. 97 Fatal, June 6

Just after 1:30 pm, Troopers from the Bend Area Command responded to a report of a vehicle versus semi-tractor trailer crash on Highway 97 near Burgess Road. (North of LaPine) The preliminary investigation revealed that a red 1998 Ford Ranger was traveling northbound and for unknown reasons traveled into the oncoming southbound lane. A white cab 2015 Kenworth semi-tractor trailer operated by 29 year old Lake Havasu Arizona resident Tyler Staudt, was traveling southbound when the Ford drove into its lane. The Ford collided head-on with the semi-tractor trailer in the southbound lane of travel. The semi was unable to maintain control and rolled onto its side in the ditch. The semi-tractor trailer is owned by Indian River Trucking Company and was loaded with 5000 gallons of apple juice resulting in no hazardous material concerns. The driver and sole occupant of the Ford was pronounced deceased at the scene as a result of the crash. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification to the family. The driver of the semi-tractor trailer was transported to the St. Charles Hospital in Bend for assessment and sustained only minor injuries.