OSP: One person was killed in early-morning crash that closed Highway 97 south of Redmond
(updated with new information on crash; deceased person's name released)
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – One person was killed early Friday morning in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 97 south of Redmond that closed the key Central Oregon travel route for close to two hours, authorities said.
The crash was reported around 4:20 a.m. near milepost 127, about five miles south of Redmond, according to PulsePoint and ODOT TripCheck. Numerous police and medics responded to the crash scene, located near 61st Street and SW Young Avenue.
The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Ford Town & Country, operated by Steven Thomas Lakey, 54, of Bend, struck a pedestrian, Glenn Curtis Watkins, 28, of Bend, who was on the roadway for unknown reasons.
Watkins was declared deceased at the scene.
Lakey, was not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Lanes reopened in the crash area north of 61st Street around 5:45 a.m. on Friday.
