Terrebonne motorcyclist killed in Hwy. 97 crash at O’Neil Jct.

(Update: OSP releases details of crash)

Troopers say SUV driver pulled out in front of northbound traffic

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A 63-year-old Terrebonne man was killed Tuesday when the driver of an SUV pulled out in front of his motorcycle and another vehicle on Highway 97 at the O'Neil Junction, Oregon State Police said Wednesday.

Troopers and emergency personnel responded around 3:30 p.m. to the three-vehicle crash at the highway's intersection with state Highway 370 (the O'Neil Highway).

OSP said a preliminary investigation found that a 70-year-old Terrebonne man driving a Chevy Suburban pulling a trailer pulled out in front of a northbound Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by Charles Smith of Terrebonne and a car driven by a 62-year-old Madras woman.

Smith was flown by Life Flight helicopter to St. Charles Bend, where he was pronounced dead, troopers said. The other two drivers were unhurt.

No charges or citations were immediately issued, but troopers said the crash remains under investigation.

OSP was assisted at the scene by Redmond police and ODOT.

Deschutes County sheriff's deputies and Redmond Fire crews also responded to the crash scene near milepost 118, three miles south of Terrebonne.