Redmond boy, 9, dies in crash on snowy Highway 26
(Update: OSP identifies victim, more details from family)
A 9-year-old Redmond boy returning from a Portland youth basketball tournament with his family was killed and several others were injured in a head-on crash on snow-covered Highway 26 east of Government Camp Sunday afternoon, Oregon State Police said Monday.
OSP Sgt. Yvette Shephard said a preliminary investigation found that a white 2004 Ford Excursion driven by Kenneth Steven Schmidt, 53, of Crooked River Ranch and two passengers were heading west on the highway when he lost control and crossed into the eastbound lane, hitting an eastbound silver 2013 Subaru Outback driven by Debra Jean Hahn, 48, of Redmond, accompanied by two passengers.
The boy, identified by family and confirmed by OSP as fourth-grade Sage Elementary School student Drake Hahn, died at the scene. Debra Jean Hahn was taken by ambulance to an area hospital and the third passenger, her mother, Linda Jean Todd, 68, also of Redmond, was flown to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. Troopers said Todd had serious injuries, but a hospital representative said Todd was in fair condition late Monday afternoon.
The three people in the Excursion, including a 9-year-old girl, received minor injuries but were not taken to the hospital, Shephard said.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash but who was not interviewed at the scene was asked to call OSP Trooper Joshua McNeely at 971-271-3872 or email joshua.mcneely@state.or.us.
Debra Hahn posted a public Facebook note Monday morning, saying she and her husband, Ty, had lost their son in Sunday’s crash.
“He was my whole world, and I have a huge hole in my heart,” Hahn wrote. “Heaven gained a new angel, and I know God will take great care of him for me.”
She also offered thanks to all who have called, sent messages and prayed for the family.
Hahn later told NewsChannel 21: “He loved his friends and family, all animals, baseball, basketball and the Oregon State Beavers. He was very caring and had a huge heart.”
“We were on our way home from a basketball tournament in Portland when the accident happened. … His team was the Redmond Rebels and he loved being part of that family. This leaves a big hole in all our hearts. We were all lucky to have almost 10 amazing years with this special boy. He was 10 days away from his 10th birthday. Smile and be awesome up there buddy!”
The crash was reported around 3:40 p.m. near Milepost 65 east of Government Camp, about 8 miles south of the intersection with state Highway 35 (the Mount Hood Highway).
ODOT was on scene and assisted with traffic control to allow vehicles access around the crash scene. Detours were put in place once the stopped traffic was released, but motorists were urged to avoid the area. The highway was reopened by about 9 p.m.
ODOT was assisted on the scene by the Hoodland Fire District, ODOT and American Medical Response.
A fundraiser is underway for the family of Drake Hahn, information is at the link below:
