New Details: A 6-year-old girl dies after trailer incident near Suttle Lake

JEFFERSON COUNTY (KTVZ) — A 6-year-old child died on May 23, 2026, after being struck by a vehicle towing a travel trailer near Link Creek Campground at Suttle Lake. The child was transported via air ambulance to St. Charles Bend, where they were later pronounced deceased. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is leading the response to the incident.

Emergency services were alerted at approximately 1:52 p.m. regarding a medical emergency involving a child unconscious and not breathing after being struck. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated fully with authorities. Investigators have found no indication of impairment or criminal behavior in connection with the incident.

Family members and nearby campers immediately initiated life-saving efforts after the incident. Adults from nearby campsites assisted in providing aid while family members transported the child to a designated landing zone for the air ambulance. Deputies arrived at the intersection of Highway 20 and Suttle Lake Road at approximately 2:30 p.m., where the child was transferred to an air ambulance for transport to St. Charles Bend. A Five-year-old child witness, who was with the 6-year-old, provided information about the events leading up to the incident.

According to the child witness, the two children had run from the lakeshore area to their campsite to retrieve a stuffed animal. They were returning toward the lake area when the incident occurred. The child witness stated she stopped when she observed a vehicle towing a travel trailer approaching. Based on the investigation, authorities believe the 6-year-old child unknowingly entered the area between the tow vehicle and travel trailer combination, resulting in contact with the trailer. Witnesses reported that the vehicle and trailer were moving at an extremely slow speed at the time. Information gathered indicates the children approached from the right rear area of the tow vehicle and trailer combination. Investigators believe this area may have limited the driver's visibility, contributing to the driver not realizing an impact had occurred. The driver, a man from the Portland area, cooperated with responders.

Responding agencies, including the Oregon State Police, Black Butte Police Department, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, documented the scene and assisted medical personnel. Deputies remained with the child's family, who are from the Redmond area, providing support alongside hospital chaplains and Oregon State Police personnel. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office extends condolences to the family and those affected by the tragedy and will not release identifying information regarding the child or relatives, out of respect for the family's privacy.