Fatal crash-highway 97 in Deschutes County

By Mindy Gould on Monday, December 30th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

DESCHUTES COUNTY (Released from Oregon State Police)-On Friday, December 27, 2024, at 4:57 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97, near milepost 117, in Deschutes County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Ford F250, operated by Benjamin Troy Boynton Jr. (45) of Madras, crossed the centerline for unknown reasons and struck a southbound Jeep Wrangler, operated by Rebecka Ann Perinne (43) of La Pine, head-on.

The operator of the Jeep (Perinne) was declared deceased at the scene.

The operator of the Ford (Boynton Jr.) was seriously injured and transported to an area hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigaiton.

OSP was assisted by Redmond Fire, Redmond Police Department, Dechustes County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT.