On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at approximately 7:26 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-97, near milepost 289, in Klamath County. The preliminary investigation indicated a black Jeep Cherokee, operated by Marci Ann Maples (51) of Klamath Falls, attempted to turn north (left) onto Highway 97 from Keno Worden Road. The Jeep entered the path of a southbound Dodge Ram 1500, operated by Charles Lavern Owens (55) of Los Angeles (CA), and was struck in the driver’s side door. The operator of the Dodge attempted to avoid the collision, but was unable to do so. The operator of the Jeep (Maples) was life flighted to Sky Lakes Medical Center and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The operator of the Dodge (Owens) was transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center via ambulance with minor injuries. The highway was impacted for 2 hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by Keno Fire and ODOT.
