Portland Man Killed in Highway 97 Crash Near Chemult
Two-vehicle collision occurred at scene of earlier crash; investigation by Oregon State Police
KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. — A Portland man was killed Sunday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Chemult, according to the Oregon State Police.
The crash occurred April 12 at approximately 3:48 p.m. near milepost 220. Investigators said the incident began as a separate, non-injury three-vehicle crash along the highway.
According to preliminary findings, a northbound black Kia Forte, driven by 48-year-old Mark Evan Simpson of Portland, entered the area of the earlier crash and crossed the center line. The vehicle continued through the southbound lane and collided head-on with a Volvo 760 commercial motor vehicle.
Authorities said the Volvo, operated by 59-year-old Das Balbir of Richmond, British Columbia, had been pulling onto the shoulder in an attempt to avoid a disabled vehicle from the initial crash.
Following the collision, the Kia spun back across the northbound lanes and came to rest against a tree off the shoulder.
Simpson was declared deceased at the scene. The driver of the Volvo was not injured.
Highway 97 was impacted for approximately five hours as crews conducted the on-scene investigation.
The Oregon State Police were assisted by Chemult Rural Fire Protection District, Chiloquin Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
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