La Pine woman killed in SUV crash

A 45-year-old La Pine woman was killed late Wednesday afternoon when her small SUV left Paulina Lake Road on a curve, struck two trees and overturned, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.

The victim was identified Thursday as Christine Elizabeth Furtado.

Deputies, assisted by Oregon State Police and detectives, responded around 4:45 p.m. to the reported single-vehicle crash on Paulina Lake Road, about 1/8 of a mile west of Newberry Road, said sheriff’s Sgt. Vance Lawrence.

Investigators determined that Furtado’s black 1984 Chevy Blazer was heading east on Paulina Lake Road at a high rate of speed when she failed to negotiate the left-hand curve. The Blazer left the road and struck two trees before landing on its top, Lawrence said.

Furtado, who was alone in the SUV, died at the scene, he said, noting there was significant damage to the vehicle.

Alcohol and speed were factors in the crash, Lawrence said.