Police Investigate Fatal Traffic Crash - Near Lake-Harney County Line

Highway 395 was briefly closed to allow for the air ambulance to land and then transport a victim from the scene.

Photo of fatal crash scene on Highway 395 in Oregon courtesy: Oregon State Police

(LAKEVIEW, Ore.) - Oregon State Police troopers are investigating a single vehicle fatal traffic crash that happened at approximately 8:30 a.m. this morning, on Highway 395 near the Lake/Harney county line.

The crash resulted in the death of an elderly Lakeview-area man and serious injuries to his wife. Troopers say the victim's daughter was driving the vehicle and did not required medical transport.

Black ice conditions were a contributing factor, according to OSP Sergeant Steve Yates. He says the family's 2004 Dodge 1500 Ram pickup, driven by 66-year old Barbara Louise Larson of College Place, Washington was northbound on Highway 395 near milepost 35 negotiating an uphill right curve when it lost control on black ice.

"The pickup rotated across the southbound lane, rolled multiple times and came to rest on its top about 100 yards off the highway," Yates said.

The rear seat passenger. 90-year old John Robert Clough of Lakeview, was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene. He was not using safety restraints.

Mr. Larson was using safety restraints and was not injured to the point of needing medical transport.

The victim's wife was the vehicle's right front passenger. 86-year old Robita May Clough of Lakeview, was transported by air ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend with serious injuries. It is believed she was using safety restraints.

OSP troopers from the Lakeview office are continuing the investigation. Troopers from the Burns office also responded to assist as did ODOT, Lake County Sheriff's Office, Harney County Sheriff's Office, BLM, Harney and Christmas Valley ambulances, and Hines Fire Department.

Highway 395 was briefly closed to allow for the air ambulance to land and then transport Robita Clough from the scene.