Highway 97 crash victim speaks out
A motorcycle-car crash on Highway 97 near Lava Butte south of Bend last month killed a Portland woman and injuring two men.
The driver of the motorcycle says he believes it was not an accident but a deadly case of road rage.
“This was not an accident,” Phillip Branum said Thursday. “It was murder. That man murdered Lisa.”
Lisa Grull, 53, from Portland, was riding as a passenger on the motorcycle with Branum.
“She’s just an amazing person. Everybody that knew Lisa loved Lisa,” Branum said tearfully. “I love her, and I miss her.”
Branum said they were riding in the fast lane, trying to pass a 1998 Ford Mustang.
When they did, Branum said, the driver, 27-year old Cory L. McBride from Tucson, Arizona, apparently became furious.
“This guy was just over the top. It was scary. It was like a wild animal in the car,” Branum said.
Branum said he was trying to put distance between him and the driver and drove off, but the driver came back.
“Most people, once they flip you off and blow off a little steam, they calm down. They usually pass you and drive off. Not this guy,” Branum said.
Branum said he tried to get away from the driver repeatedly, but he was chasing them, catching up with them three times, yelling at them.
“He scared me. I was worried he’s going to kill us. And he did,” Branum said.
Branum, who also was injured, said he now hopes for justice and for a complete police investigation.
“They’re treating it like an accident. This wasn’t an accident — it was murder,” Branum said.
All he has left of Lisa now are memories.
“She was the light of my life. She was everything to me,” Branum said.
We were unable to locate the driver of the car to get his side of the story. We do know he was released from the hospital shortly after the crash.
OSP is still investigating the case and said they need your help. If you saw or know anything, call the lead investigator, Trooper Justin Lane at 541 388-6213, extension 5128.
Branum is also giving up Lisa Groll’s dog, Zoe, for adoption because he cannot take care of her.
Groll had rescued Zoe in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Branum said the 11-year old dog is an amazing pet and very calm.
If you’re interested in adopting Zoe, call Branum at 541-554-5481
