Klamath County, Oregon – Three cars crashed on Highway 97 in Klamath County on Sunday morning, killing one person and shutting down the road for several hours. Emergency crews responded to icy road conditions that led to a loss of control.
Oregon State Police stated that around 9:55 a.m. on December 21, 2025, they sent officers to a crash near milepost 181. After looking into it, investigators found that a Chevrolet Silverado going south crossed into oncoming traffic when the driver lost control on the slick road.
Cindy Rose Pearce, 59, of Bend, was driving the Silverado when it crossed into the northbound lane and hit a black Toyota Tacoma head-on. Kristara Leah Lopez, 47, from Coos Bay was driving the Tacoma. A few moments later, the Silverado crashed with a blue Dodge Ram pickup truck that was pulling a small trailer. That vehicle was operated by 68-year-old Carl Michael Kelley of Oakridge.
Emergency responders tried to save Lopez, but he was pronounced dead at the site. Gilberto Paez Lopez, 59 years old and from Coos Bay, was in the car with her. He was hurt seriously and was rushed to a hospital nearby for treatment.
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Pearce was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Kelley and his passenger, 59-year-old Terri Louise Kelley from Oakridge, were also taken to a local hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries.
Officials stated that ice conditions were a big factor in the incident, which shows how dangerous it is to drive on high-speed highways in the winter. The crash caused a long closure and traffic problems while crews investigated what happened, cleared damaged cars, and made sure the route was safe.
The investigation took about five hours, during which time Highway 97 was closed. The Oregon State Police got help from the Crescent Fire District and the Oregon Department of Transportation throughout their response.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, and officials continue to urge drivers to slow down and use caution when traveling in winter weather conditions.
