LA PINE, Ore. — A motorcycle crash claimed one life and left another seriously injured on Saturday, August 9, around 12:30 p.m. at the intersection of Burgess Road and Huntington Road.
According to the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office (DCSO), a blue 2005 Yamaha motorcycle operated by Jacob Werner, 44, of La Pine, was traveling eastbound on Burgess Road at a high rate of speed. Werner failed to stop at a red light and collided with a maroon 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee making a left turn onto Huntington Road.
Werner died at the scene despite efforts by first responders. His passenger, a 44-year-old woman from La Pine, sustained serious injuries and was transported to St. Charles Medical Center, where she is currently listed in stable condition.
The Jeep was driven by a 75-year-old man and accompanied by a 73-year-old woman, both from La Pine. They were uninjured and remained at the scene, cooperating with the investigation.
Authorities reported that speed was the leading contributing factor in the crash. The DCSO was assisted at the scene by La Pine Fire District and the Oregon State Police. The investigation is ongoing.