La Pine, Ore. – Highway 97 just north of La Pine was the scene of a fatal crash Monday afternoon when a pickup truck collided head-on with a tanker truck carrying apple juice, closing the highway for six hours.
Authorities said the crash killed the pickup’s driver, 69-year-old Frederick Holmes Winkler from Silverton, who crossed the center line.
The crash occurred at Wickiup Junction at the intersection with Burgess Road, at about 1:30 p.m.
A white cab 2015 Kenworth semi-tractor trailer operated by 29 year old Lake Havasu Arizona resident Tyler Staudt, was traveling southbound when the Ford drove into its lane. The truck is owned by Indian River Trucking Company
Oregon State Police said the tanker truck was heading south on the highway when a northbound 1998 Ford Ranger pickup truck crossed the center line.
OSP has withheld the driver’s name pending notification of next-of-kin.
The driver of the semi cooperated with investigators. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to St. Charles Bend for evaluation and treatment.
