OSP Reports – Week of September 14

Sept. 5: 8:43: Fatal Crash – Hwy. 126E, Milepost 21. Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash. The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Suzuki GXR motorcycle, operated by Lucas Charles Thomas (38) of Springfield, struck a deer around 3 a.m. The collision caused the rider to lose control, leave the roadway, and travel down an embankment. The operator of the Suzuki was declared deceased at the scene. The highway was impacted for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by McKenzie Fire and ODOT.

Sept. 14: 06:34: Crash, Non-Injury – Hwy. 126E, Mp. 44. OSP responded to a report of a single vehicle crash. The driver of the only vehicle, a Ryder box truck, was driving eastbound when the vehicle left the roadway on the southern shoulder. The vehicle continued into the ditch where it struck a utility pole before ultimately rolling down an embankment and coming to an unsupported rest partially in the McKenzie River. The driver of the vehicle was transported via ambulance to Riverbend with non-life-threatening injuries and the vehicle was towed from the scene. ODOT coordinated with the response for any possible river contamination associated with the crash. Involved: 34-year-old male from Chicago.