UTV Crash Near West Eagle Meadows in Baker County Leaves One Injured

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Monday, August 3rd, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories

BAKER COUNTY – (Release from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office) On July 18, 2026 at approximately 5:48 p.m., Baker County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a report of a side-by-side (UTV) crash with injuries near West Eagle Meadows. It was reported that the UTV was located down a steep embankment.

Baker County deputies responded to the area. Due to the location of the crash, the Baker County Search and Rescue Ropes Team was deployed.

Upon arrival, deputies located the victim, identified as Cyd Kratzer of Hendersonville, NC. The Life Flight crew landed nearby and was transported to the scene. After assessing her injuries, they quickly packaged Kratzer and prepared her for transport. Law enforcement personnel, Life Flight crew members and members of Kratzer’s family assisted transporting her up the hill. She was loaded onto a patrol vehicle and driven to the helicopter.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the driver, identified as Jesse Jarnes (48 yoa) of Baker City, was traveling on the 77 Road near West Eagle Meadows when he came around a corner and over-corrected. The five-seater Honda Pioneer left the roadway and rolled down the embankment. Jarnes was carrying six passengers, with his minor child riding on his lap. All passengers, except the minor child, were wearing seatbelts. No other injuries were reported.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

The Baker County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Life Flight, Eagle Valley Ambulance and Baker County Search and Rescue for their assistance.