Police Investigate Fatal Log Truck Crash South of LaPine (PHOTOS)

The crash closed the highway's northbound lane for about four hours.

Photo of fatal crash: Oregon State Police

(LA PINE, Ore.) - Police say a log truck driver from Bend died Wednesday morning after driving off the shoulder of Highway 97 about four miles south of LaPine, and colliding with several trees.

Oregon State Police Sergeant Mark Crisp says Wednesday at approximately 6:15 a.m., a fully loaded log truck driven by 53-year old Zane Leroy Culbertson of Bend, was northbound on Highway 97 near milepost 173 when, for an unknown reason, it drove off the right shoulder and collided with several trees.

"The log truck and trailer overturned onto its side coming to rest against a tree as some of the load shifted forward into the occupant compartment and others off onto the ground."

Mr. Culbertson was pronounced deceased at the scene, Crisp said.

It wasn't clear he said, whether the truck's seat belts were being properly used.

Mr. Culbertson was transporting logs for Stafford Logging out of Prineville.

OSP troopers from the Bend and Gilchrist offices are continuing the investigation. Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, LaPine Fire Department and ODOT assisted at the scene.

The northbound lane was closed about four hours.