1 still critical from head-on crash S. of Sunriver
Five Bend-area residents were injured, four critically, Saturday afternoon in a head-on three-vehicle collision on South Century Drive south of Sunriver that brought out numerous first responders – including both air ambulance services – and closed the road for three hours.
On Friday, 48-year-old Natalie Hancock remained in critical condition at St. Charles Bend. 23-year-old Taylor Bernhardt was in fair condition. 23-year-old Kara Ross was in good condition. The other two were injured, but have since been released from the hospital.
Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies and medics responded around 3:30 p.m. to the reported crash on South Century Drive, south of where it turns left (south) near the entrance to the resort community, said Sgt. Doug Sullivan.
Dispatchers reported the crash involved a car, a pickup truck towing a boat and a motorcycle, with entrapment of a person in the truck, Sullivan said.
Based on interviews with witnesses, deputies investigating the crash determined a 2013 Chevy Cruze driven by Bernhardt, was heading north on South Century Drive when he crossed the center line, colliding head-on with a southbound 1983 GMC truck driven by Jason Hancock, 41.
Bernhardt had a passenger, Ross, while Jason Hancock was accompanied by passenger Natalie Hancock.
A 2009 BMW motorcycle operated by Stacie Benedict, 54, was following the pickup, Sullivan said. After the car and truck collided, they came to an abrupt stop, causing the motorcycle to hit the car.
Bernhardt and Jason Hancock were flown by AirLink and Life Flight helicopters to St. Charles Bend, while Benedict, Ross and Natalie Hancock were transported by ground ambulance, the sergeant said.
Bernhardt, Ross and the Hancocks remained in critical condition at the hospital Monday, while Benedict, the motorcyclists had been treated and released.
Deputies are being assisted by sheriff’s detectives in investigating the crash, Sullivan said.
They were assisted at the scene by the Sunriver and La Pine fire departments, Sunriver police, Oregon State Police and the Deschutes County Road Department.
The road was closed between Spring River and Vandevert roads, with drivers urged to use other routes.
