Bend Woman Dies in Crash Near Black Butte Ranch

The 79-year old driver was not wearing her seat belt, according to police.

2005 Buick involved in the fatal crash in Bend. Photo: Oregon State Police

(BEND, Ore.) - Police say a Bend-area woman died Saturday morning when the car she was driving struck a tree along Highway 20 near the entrance to Black Butte.

A 2005 Buick operated by 79-year old Genevieve Clare Watson of Bend, was westbound on Highway 20W at approximately 11:12 a.m., passing the entrance to Black Butte Ranch, when the vehicle failed to negotiate a slight right hand corner.

According to reports, the Buick continued straight, left the roadway to the south and struck a large tree head-on.

Ms. Watson was not using safety restraints and died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Bend Area Command office and Prineville worksite completed the investigation.

Black Butte Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and ODOT assisted at the scene. The roadway was closed for a total of 20 minutes.