La Grande resident killed in Jefferson County crash
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, February 9th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE — (Release from the Oregon State Police) On Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 4:01 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97, near milepost 102, in Jefferson County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Subaru Forester, operated by Aaron Lee Bottorff (51) of La Grande, crossed into the southbound lane for unknown reasons and struck a southbound Jeep Cherokee, operated by Brayan Gonzalez Celestino (34) of Bend, head-on.
The operator of the Subaru (Bottorff) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Jeep (Gonzalez Celestino) reportedly suffered minor 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 Jefferson County Sheriff’s office, Jefferson County Fire, and ODOT.
