Powell Butte woman killed in Powell Butte Hwy. crash

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies were working Saturday to learn what caused a single-vehicle early-morning SUV crash on the Powell Butte Highway near Bend Airport that killed a 25-year-old Powell Butte woman.

Deputies responded shortly before 5 a.m. to the reported crash on the highway east of McGrath Road and west of the weigh scales near the Bend Airport, said Sgt. Kevin Dizney.

A mail carrier spotted the vehicle on its top about 15 to 20 yards off the roadway, Dizney said.

Deputies found the driver, Samantha Goodew, was deceased at the scene. Her gold 2003 Chevy Suburban had sustained extensive damage involving numerous rolls from the crash, Dizney said.

While it’s not yet known when the crash occurred, Dizney said deputies have learned Goodew worked in Bend and likely was on her way home between 3 and 4 a.m.

Deputies were working Saturday to determine her point of origin, destination and what may have led to the crash. Speed, distracted driving, animals on the road, drugs and/or alcohol all are being investigated as possible factors, he said.

The sheriff’s office was aided at the scene by Oregon State Police, the Bend Fire Department and Deschutes County Road Department. The highway was closed for about 90 minutes to clear the road of debris and conduct the investigation. Traffic was rerouted around the crash area.