Oregon State Police investigating after female found deceased in vehicle off Highway 395
By Mindy McKerrall on Friday, July 17th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
HARNEY COUNTY-The Oregon State Police (OSP) have launched an investigation after a woman was discovered deceased inside a vehicle on Thursday afternoon.
According to emergency dispatch logs, a state trooper requested assistance at 12:01 p.m. on July 16, after locating a vehicle containing an unresponsive female. First responders determined the woman was cold to the touch and showed no signs of life.
The vehicle was discovered in a remote area, roughly 30 miles south of Burns, near Highway 395 in Harney County.
Local emergency services initially took the call, but jurisdiction was quickly transferred once Oregon State Police units assumed primary responsibility for the death investigation.
Local coroner and law enforcement units arrived on scene at approximately 4:39 p.m. to process the vehicle and recover the body. Recovery teams faced multiple logistical hurdles and terrain-related delays while operating at the remote scene.
The cause and manner of the woman’s death remains under investigation by the Oregon State Police. Authorities have not yet released information regarding how long the vehicle may have been parked at the location or whether foul play is suspected.
