Police Say Alcohol Led to Fatal Crash in Hines

Police were going to try to stop the vehicle just prior to the fatal crash.

Photo of fatal crash scene, the vehicle left the road and traveled several hundred feet before striking this building, an Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office. Photo: Oregon State Police

(HINES, Ore.) - A Burns-area woman died from injuries suffered in a high speed crash Monday night on Highway 20 near milepost 129 at the Hines city limits. The crash was witnessed by an Oregon State Police trooper and Hines police officer. Police say the victim died early Tuesday morning after initial medical care was provided on scene.

Last night at approximately 11:45 PM, a 1993 Isuzu Trooper driven by 26-year old Misty Brusseau was eastbound on Highway 20 near milepost 129 at a high rate of speed when she lost control of her vehicle in a posted 45 mph speed zone.

The driving behavior was witnessed by an OSP trooper and a Hines PD Officer. Before officers could stop the vehicle, Ms. Brusseau lost control of her vehicle and left the highway off the right shoulder.

The vehicle traveled several hundred feet before crossing the US Forest Service lawn, striking the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife-Burns Office. Police say it came to rest partially inside the cinder block buildin,g causing extensive damage to both the vehicle and the office.

The witnessing OSP trooper and Hines police officer immediately began first aid until Harney EMS arrived and extricated the driver from the vehicle.

Ms. Brusseau was transported to Harney District Hospital where she died early Tuesday morning from her injuries.

Investigators believe alcohol was a factor in the crash and the operator was not using her safety belt.