Deschutes County, Ore 19 Jan 24- On Friday, January 19, 2024, at 12:21 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 97, at the intersection with Hwy 31, in Klamath County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Chevrolet Trail Blazer, operated by Marveen Louise Cloud (87) of Fort Rock, was in the left turn lane waiting to turn east onto Hwy 31. The Chevrolet attempted to turn left, crossing the northbound lane, and was struck by a northbound Dodge Dart, operated by Cheyenne Raelee Johnson (22) of Lapine.
The operator of the Dodge (Johnson) suffered minor injuries and was transported for evaluation.
A passenger in the Dodge, Joanne Lee Banzer (77) of Lapine, was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Chevrolet (Cloud) suffered minor injuries and was transported for evaluation.
The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. Roadway conditions do not appear to be a contributing factor to this crash.
OSP was assisted by Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Lapine Fire, and ODOT.
Lately a string of fatal crashes in that area of Highway 97 has claimed 7 lives.