Fatal 2-vehicle crash on Highway 97 in Klamath County

KLAMATH CO. (KTVZ)-- A two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near milepost 228 in Klamath County resulted in one fatality Friday evening, according to Oregon State Police.

OSP responded to the crash at approximately 6:20 p.m. on Friday, January 9th, 2026. Investigators determined that a Ford F-450, operated by Douglas Alan Fordyce, 61, of Caldwell, Idaho, was stopped westbound on Silver Lake Road at the intersection with Highway 97.

When the Ford attempted to enter the highway, it was struck by a southbound Freightliner commercial motor vehicle and trailer operated by Sebastian Mercado Juarez, 29, of Fresno, CA resulting in a side-impact collision.

Fordyce was declared dead at the scene.

Sebastian Mercado Juarez and a passenger in the Freightliner, Christian Mercado Juarez, 31 of Fresno CA, sustained reported minor injuries.

Highway 97 was impacted for approximately two hours while emergency crews conducted the on-scene investigation.

Oregon State Police were assisted by Chiloquin Fire and Rescue, Chemult Rural Fire District, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.