KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. (22 Dec. 2025) – On Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 9:55 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a three-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 97 near milepost 181 in Klamath County.
The preliminary investigation indicated that a gold Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Cindy Rose Pearce (59) of Bend, was traveling southbound on Hwy. 97 when it crossed into the northbound lane after the operator lost control due to icy roadway conditions. The Silverado collided head-on with a northbound black Toyota Tacoma, operated by Kristara Leah Lopez (47) of Coos Bay, and then struck a blue Dodge Ram towing a small trailer, operated by Carl Michael Kelley (68) of Oakridge.
The operator of the Toyota Tacoma (Lopez) was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Toyota’s passenger, Gilberto Paez Lopez (59) of Coos Bay, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries.
The operator of the Chevrolet Silverado (Pearce) was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.
The operator of the Dodge Ram (Kelley) and passenger, Terri Louise Kelley (59) of Oakridge, were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.
The highway was impacted for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Crescent Fire District and the Oregon Department of Transportation.