Police have identified the three men who died when their SUV suddenly veered into the path of an oncoming semi.
(SUNRIVER) - Oregon State Police troopers are continuing to investigate a triple fatal traffic crash that occurred Friday morning on Highway 97 about seventeen miles south of Bend. Three men from California visiting Oregon to take part in a golf tournament were the victims.Next of kin have been notified and the victim's names have been released.
Friday morning at about 6:45 AM, police say a 1994 Cadillac Escalade SUV with three occupants was northbound on Highway 97 near milepost 157 when it drifted across the centerline into the southbound lane. A southbound 2005 Sterling truck driven by 39-year old John E. Lindsey of Bend, moved to the right shoulder in an attempt to avoid the SUV but was struck head-on in the southbound lane.
After impact, the SUV overturned and came to rest on the west side of the guardrail and the semi-truck continued southbound coming to rest on the southbound shoulder. The contents of the semi-truck remained intact.
All three occupants of the Cadillac SUV were deceased at the scene. They are identified as a father and his two adult sons all from Oakhurst, California.
The driver is identified as 25-year old Bryan Oneal Jamison. The passengers are identified as 58-year old John Oneal Jamison and 26-year old Sean Oneal Jamison. All involved occupants were using safety restraints. According to family members, they were enroute to the Bend area for a weekend golf tournament.
Neither Lindsey or his two adult passenger were injured. They are identified as 21-year old John Reid and 20-year old William J. Burton, both of Bend. All three were using safety restraints.
The cause of the crash is unknown, but police say fatigue may have been a contributing factor.
Oregon Highway crews detoured traffic off Highway 97 onto a secondary highway for approximately 6 hours.
Oregon State Police troopers from the Bend Area Command are continuing the investigation. Deschutes Country Sheriff's Office, Sunriver PD, Lapine and Sunriver Fire Department and Oregon Department of Transportation assisted at the scene.
Triple Fatal Crash Near Sunriver Under Investigation (UPDATE)Salem-News.com