18-Year Old Woman Dies in Crash Near Valley Falls

Fatal Traffic Crash - Highway 395 north of Valley Falls in Lake County

Photo of fatal crash scene: Oregon State Police

(LAKE ALBERT, Ore.) - Police say an 18-year old Hines-area woman died early Monday morning when the sport utility vehicle she was a passenger in lost control and rolled on Highway 395 next to Lake Abert north of Valley Falls in Lake County.

The vehicle's driver was seriously injured according to Oregon State Police troopers, who say they are continuing the investigation.

OSP Sergeant Steve Yates says Monday at approximately 4:20 a.m. a 2002 Kia Sportage driven by 22-year old Michael Todd Bymoen of Scottsdale, Arizona was northbound on Highway 395 near milepost 75 when it drifted onto the shoulder.

"Bymoen over-corrected and the vehicle subsequently rolled until it came to rest on its side on the northbound shoulder."

Yates says Bymoen was using safety restraints and was seriously injured. He was transported by Lakeview Disaster Unit ambulance to Lake District Hospital for treatment. The vehicle's right front passenger, 18-year old Lauren Julia Allison of Hines, Oregon was not using safety restraints and was ejected. She was pronounced deceased at the scene, Yates said. OSP troopers from the Lakeview work site are continuing the investigation. Driver fatigue is a possible contributing factor. Troopers were assisted at the scene by Lake County Sheriff's Office and ODOT. One lane was closed about four hours.