On Saturday, July 8, 2023, at approximately 1:11 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-97, near milepost 264, in Klamath County. The preliminary investigation indicated a black Chevy Tahoe, operated by Ivan Allen Hood (26) of Chiloquin, was northbound on Hwy-97 when for unknown reasons it crossed into the southbound lane and struck a Freightliner Tanker, operated by Zachary Adam Kerley (38) of Winter Haven (FL), head on. The operator of the Tahoe (Hood) was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Freightliner (Kerley) and passenger, Terry Lee Kerley (60) of Bakersfield (CA), were both injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment. The roadway was impacted for approximately 2 hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath County Fire District 1, and ODOT.
