Oregon State Police Seek Driver of Pickup Involved in Collision with Motorcycle

The crash happened on Highway 242, east of McKenzie Bridge, near Springfield.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(EUGENE, Ore.) - A Springfield woman was seriously injured when her motorcycle drove into the oncoming lane and was struck by a pickup about 20 miles east of Mckenzie Bridge on Highway 242.

To help with the investigation, Oregon State Police are asking the other involved driver to contact the investigating trooper. Police say that Sunday at approximately 12:40 PM, a motorcycle operated by 54-year old Sabra J. Lares of Springfield, and her boyfriend, 57-year old William C. Grover, were both riding their motorcycles eastbound on Highway 242.

At approximately milepost 69, Lares, who was riding behind Grover, was rounding a curve when she rode across the centerline and into the oncoming westbound lane. That police say, is where she was struck by a westbound pickup.

Lares was seriously injured during the crash. Grover saw the collision in his rearview mirror and stopped to assist the driver of the pickup truck in rendering medical aid to Lares until medics arrived.

The driver of the pickup reportedly remained on scene until Lares was transported by medics to the landing site to meet the helicopter. Once she was transported the pickup's driver apparently left the scene prior to the arrival of the responding trooper. After speaking to Grover it is not believed that the pickup's driver intentionally left prior to speaking with police, however the investigating troopers need to speak to the driver of the pickup and obtain his information as neither Grover nor anyone else on scene obtained it.

Lares was transported by Lifelight to St. Charles Hospital in Bend where she is reported in serious condition. She was wearing a protective helmet.

Highway 242 is a narrow curvy 2-lane scenic route that connects Highway 126 out of Springfield over to the junction with Highway 20 in Sisters.

The highway was closed down periodically for approximately 1 hour and the woman was flown by helicopter to St. Charles Hospital in Bend for treatment of multiple injuries.

Oregon State Police troopers from Springfield and Bend Area Commands are continuing the investigation. Troopers were assisted at the scene by Mckenzie River Fire and Rescue, ODOT and the US Forest Service.

Oregon State Police would like to remind the public that if they are involved in a crash where a person is injured they are required to remain on scene until law enforcement arrives.

Anyone with information regarding the pickup and its driver is asked to call Trooper Jamin Van Meter at the Springfield Office at 541-726-2536 Ext. 428.