Driver seizure caused Bend Parkway crash, DA says

An investigation has determined that an April 19 Bend Parkway crash that critically injured a 10-year-old Bend boy was caused by a driver’s seizure, Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said Monday in announcing no charges in the matter.

Hummel said he’d completed his legal review in the crash, in which a pickup truck crossed the median and struck an oncoming car, then overturned.

The crash happened when the driver of a northbound truck crossed the median near the Colorado Avenue on-ramp and struck head-on a southbound car that the young victim was riding in. The child, Avryn Hayes, was being driven to school.

Hayes is recovering from numerous injuries, including a broken femur and a crushed skull.

Hummel said in a statement that “Bend Police Officer Eric Russell’s quick and competent actions immediately after the crash were commendable.”

“Russell decisively applied a tourniquet above the femoral artery, which doctors said saved the child’s life, the district attorney said..

Based on eyewitness statements, the forensic accident reconstruction and medical records, Hummel said he “determined the crash was caused by a sudden and catastrophic medical event experienced by the northbound driver; specifically, a seizure.” Therefore, he said, no charges are being filed.