La Pine, Ore. – Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into a two-vehicle, head-on crash that occurred at around 5:23 a.m., this morning on highway 97 (milepost 163) near La Pine.
Preliminary information indicates that a silver, 2004 Nissan Sentra, being driven by LARRY RUSSELL GARDNER, 67, of Lake Oswego, was traveling southbound on HWY 97 when it lost control and slid into the northbound lane of travel, colliding with a silver, 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Gardner was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Jeep Cherokee, CASSY M. GRANT, 26, of Bend, was transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend with reportedly minor injuries. Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Following the preliminary investigation, it was learned that a third vehicle was involved in this collision after the driver contacted the Oregon State Police. Follow-up investigation revealed a 2012 Ford Fusion being operated by ALEXANDER SLAVEN,28, of La Pine, made contact with the Jeep Grand Cherokee immediately after the initial collision between the Jeep and the Nissan. SLAVEN initially thought his vehicle had not made contact and continued on to his work where he noticed some very slight damage and called OSP. Both SLAVEN and GRANT are cooperating with the investigation and no citations have been issued.
The highway surface was covered with packed snow and ice at the time of the collision and driving conditions were very slick. OSP is reminding all drivers that winter driving conditions can be very treacherous and drivers should use extreme caution when traveling on the highways.
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing its investigation into this collision and OSP was assisted at the scene by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon Department of Transportation and the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District.
Photo’s of the crash will be released when next of kin notification has been made.
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