Hwy. 31 Fatal, Klamath Co.

OSP release - UPDATE: News release updated to reflect the passenger of Dodge, Randy Laverne Samples of Bend, was declared deceased at the scene. The vehicle operator, Roland Lea Buckman, was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. Klamath County, Ore. (Jan. 5, 2026)- On Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 10:07 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 31, near milepost 12, in Klamath County. The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Dodge Ram 1500, Roland Lea Buckman (56) of Bend, passed another vehicle in a passing lane before losing control and sliding off the roadway. The Dodge's driver's side tires caught in the ditch and the vehicle rolled before going airborne and coming to rest in a tree. A passenger in the Dodge, Randy Laverne Samples (62) of Bend, was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Dodge (Buckman) suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital. The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation. Roadway conditions and speed are considered primary factors in the crash. OSP was assisted by ODOT.

Hwy. 20 Fatal, Harney Co.

OSP release - Harney County, Ore. (Jan. 5, 2026)- On Wednesday, December 31, 2026, at 5:37 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 20, near milepost 84, in Harney County. The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Honda Accord, operated by Christopher Emanuel Cortez Morales (25) of Terrebonne, lost control and entered the eastbound lane where it clipped an eastbound Audi A6, operated by Jennifer Tiffany Carey (53) of Bend. The collision caused the Honda to roll and eject the operator. The operator of the Honda (Morales) was not wearing a seatbelt and was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the Audi (Carey) was reportedly uninjured. The highway was impacted for approximately 1.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. Operator impairment is being considered as a primary factor of the crash. OSP was assisted by ODOT.