Driver, 70, dies of medical issue on Hwy. 20 east of Bend

A 70-year-old driver from Burns suffered a medical emergency on Highway 20 nearly 50 miles east of Bend Tuesday night, prompting life-saving efforts by good Samaritans and Oregon State Police that proved unsuccessful, troopers said.

Troopers from Bend responded around 8 p.m. to the report of the non-crash-related medical emergency on Highway 20 near milepost 47, said OSP Sgt. Kaipo Raiser.

The initial report indicated a 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser was heading east when the driver, identified as Larry Wayne Hopkins of Burns, suffered a medical emergency, crossed into the oncoming lane and stopped, Raiser said.

A male passenger was able to put the vehicle in park, and with the assistance of a good Samaritan was able to remove Hopkins from the car and begin CPR. Another passenger, related to Hopkins, called Deschutes County 911.

A responding OSP sergeant and trooper relieved the good Samaritans and continued CPR, Raiser said. An air ambulance was dispatched and Bend Fire Department medics arrived a short time later to continue life-saving measures. But medics pronounced Hopkins deceased shortly after the helicopter arrived.

Raiser said a family member on scene reported Hopkins had a history of heart problems and was taking medications.

The incident closed Highway 20 for nearly an hour, the sergeant said, OSP also was assisted by ODOT at the scene.