Fatal Crash on Highway 126 kill Bend resident
By Mindy McKerrall on Friday, January 30th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
CROOK COUNTY (Released from Oregon State Police)-On Wedenesday, January 28, 2026, at 9:04 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 126, near milepost 7, in Crook County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Jeep Cherokee, operated by Aspen Cheyenne Hadley (25) of Bend, crossed the centerline for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound Freightliner box truck, operated by Leah Lynn Laforest (35) of Redmond, head-on.
The operator of the Jeep (Hadley) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Freightliner (Laforest) suffered reported serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.
The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Crook County Sheriff’s Office.On Wedenesday, January 28, 2026, at 9:04 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 126, near milepost 7, in Crook County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Jeep Cherokee, operated by Aspen Cheyenne Hadley (25) of Bend, crossed the centerline for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound Freightliner box truck, operated by Leah Lynn Laforest (35) of Redmond, head-on.
The operator of the Jeep (Hadley) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Freightliner (Laforest) suffered reported serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.
The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Crook County Sheriff’s Office.
