E. Oregon teen killed, sister seriously hurt in Highway 20 crash west of Vale involving Redmond man

VALE, Ore. (KTVZ) – A 17-year-old male driver was killed and his 13-year-old sister was seriously injured Tuesday afternoon in a collision with an SUV driven by a Redmond man who was passing a semi-truck on U.S. Highway 20 in Malheur County, Oregon State Police said.

Troopers said they responded at 4:25 p.m. Tuesday to the two-vehicle crash near milepost 235, about 10 miles west of Vale.

A preliminary investigation indicated a 22-year-old Redmond man was driving a Chevy Trailblazer heading east when he went into the westbound lane to pass a commercial motor vehicle.

A 17-year-old resident of the small community of Harper was driving a Ford Maverick heading west when he swerved onto the westbound shoulder to avoid a collision with the SUV, troopers said. But the Chevy also swerved onto the westbound shoulder and collided with the Maverick.

The car’s driver died at the crash scene. His 13-year-old sister, also from Harper and riding in the car, was flown by Life Flight helicopter to a hospital with reportedly serious injuries.

The Trailblazer driver sustained minor injuries and was not transported for medical care.

OSP said the investigation is continuing.

OSP was assisted by the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, Treasure Valley Paramedics, Vale Fire and Ambulance, Life Flight and ODOT.