Fatal Traffic Crash - Highway 97 Near Chemult

PHOTO: Oregon State Police

(KLAMATH FALLS, Ore.) - Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Sunday morning's two vehicle fatal traffic crash on Highway 97 about six miles south of the Klamath / Deschutes County line. The crash resulted in the death of a 65-year old Chico, California woman and injuries to two Klamath Falls residents.

According to OSP Recruit Trooper Nicholas Hagedorn, on January 2, 2011 at approximately 11:47 a.m. a 2003 Subaru Station wagon operated by Hadley Ann Alger, age 65, from Chico, California was southbound on Highway 97 near milepost 218 when, for an unknown reason, Alger lost control on the packed snow and ice roadway. The Subaru crossed broadside into the northbound lane. A northbound 1988 Ford Ranger driven by Collin Runnels, age 24, from Klamath Falls, attempted to avoid a collision but crashed head-on into the Subaru's passenger side. After impact the Subaru came to rest on the eastside shoulder and the Ford came to rest in the northbound lane.

ALGER was pronounced deceased at the scene. She was alone in her vehicle returning home from a vacation visiting a relative in the Bend area.

Runnels and right front passenger Brittainy Anne Pendleton, age 24, from Klamath Falls, were transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center in Klamath Falls by Chemult EMS. Runnels was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Pendleton suffered serious injuries and was later taken by air ambulance from Sky Lakes Medical Center to Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland for emergency surgery.

All occupants were using safety restraints.

OSP troopers from Gilchrist and Klamath Falls offices are continuing the investigation.

OSP troopers from the Bend office, Chemult EMS and ODOT assisted with the initial investigation. Highway 97 was restricted to one lane of travel during the investigation.

Source: Oregon State Police