Man struck, killed checking mail on Cline Falls Highway

(Update: Victim identified, details of fatal crash)

A 69-year-old Bend-area man who had crossed Cline Falls Highway to get his mail was struck and killed by a pickup truck Friday evening, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.

Sgt. William Bailey said deputies were dispatched shortly after 5 p.m. to the reported crash in the 65400 block of Cline Falls Highway, north of Tumalo.

The on-scene investigation determined that Michael R. Porter had crossed the road in front of his home to collect his mail from the mailbox.

A witness driving south on the road spotted Porter bent over or kneeling in the road, possibly collecting dropped mail, Bailey said. The driver had nearly hit the man and was turning around to return and check on him.

Meanwhile, the driver of a Dodge Ram “dually” (dual wheels on rear axle) pickup truck was heading north on the highway when he saw an oncoming vehicle flash its headlights, then heard and felt his pickup strike something, Bailey said.

The driver told deputies he saw Porter out his driver’s side window and realized he had struck someone.

A passing nurse arrived moments later and rendered medical aid, including a tourniquet to one of Porter’s legs. A Bend Fire Department ambulance crew responded, but medics determined Porter had died at the scene.

The pickup driver stayed at the crash scene and cooperated with investigators. Bailey said it’s not believed alcohol or distracted driving contributed to the crash. He added that Porter’s dark clothing and position in the roadway are being considered as factors as the investigation continues.

The crash and investigation closed Cline Falls Highway for about 3 1/2 hours. Sheriff’s deputies said they were also sassisted at the scene by Oregon State Police and the Deschutes County Road Department.

A pedestrian was struck and fatally injured by a vehicle on Cline Falls Highway west of Redmond early Friday evening, closing the road as an investigation got underway.

Deschutes County sheriff’s Sgt. William Bailey said the crash was reported shortly after 5 p.m. in the 65000 block of Cline Falls Highway.

With no detour immediately established, Bailey urged motorists to avoid the area if possible.

We’ll have more details as soon as they are released.