complete news release from Oregon State Police:
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into the cause of Thursday afternoon's fatal traffic crash involving a motorcycle and passenger car that occurred along Highway 97 north of Sunriver. Names of the involved individuals and scene photographs are released in this update.
On May 22, 2014 at approximately 5:40 p.m., a 2013 Harley Davidson motorcycle and a 1998 Ford Mustang northbound on Highway 97 near milepost 149 in the vicinity of Lava Butte were involved in a collision. The motorcycle with two occupants then crashed into the center concrete barrier before coming to rest on the highway several hundred feet from the estimated point of impact. The Ford Mustang with one occupant came to rest on its top off the side of the highway.
The female motorcycle passenger identified as LISA MICHELE TOMLIN GRALL, age 53, from southeast Portland, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The male operator, PHILLIP MARTIN BRANUM, age 62, from LaPine, was transported by air ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend with serious, non-life threatening injuries. Both were wearing protective helmets.
The car's driver, CORY L. McBRIDE, age 27, from Tucson, Arizona, was seriously injured and transported by ground ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. His injuries are reported as non-life threatening.
OSP troopers and a collision reconstructionist from Bend and LaPine offices are leading the investigation. Additional details regarding the manner and cause of the crash are withheld pending the ongoing investigation.
OSP was assisted at the scene by Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Bend Fire Department and ODOT.
OSP and ODOT remind all drivers and motorcycle operators that May is "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month" in Oregon. According to ODOT, 43 people lost their lives in motorcycle crashes in 2013, down from 51 in 2012. Last year, 73 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes in Oregon were attributed to the motorcyclist committing the primary error leading to the crash. Additional information and tips is available in ODOT's news release issued earlier this month at http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORDOT/bulletins/b64d4b?reqfrom=share.
With Memorial Day Holiday weekend approaching, OSP, Oregon State Sheriff's Association (OSSA), Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), and ODOT offer the following safety reminders:
* Get rested before you are tested. Fatigued drivers are more frequent during holiday weekends because of increased travel and activity. Be patient and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
* Pay attention. An inattentive driver is a growing safety concern on our roads and an increasing factor in traffic crashes.
* Know before you go: Stay up to date on road conditions by visiting TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1. Don't use your cell phone to check on this non-emergency information while driving.
* Even when workers are not present, all work zone speed limits still apply and fines double. Inactive work zones still have equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway so drivers need to slow down and be alert.
* Share the road. Don't tailgate and be sure to check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
* Be on the lookout for bicyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable users of our roads.
* Always use safety restraints and child safety seats correctly (see www.childsafetyseat.org for free safety seat clinics and proper buckling tips).
* Don't drink and drive; don't be impaired and drive. These can be deadly combinations.
* MOVE OVER if you are approaching any type of emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle which is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated.
OSP, OSSA, OACP and ODOT remind every traveling person - bicyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and motorists alike - that we all have individual responsibility for keeping our roads safe. Immediately report aggressive, dangerous and intoxicated drivers to 9-1-1 or call OSP at 1-800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865).
Photographs - Oregon State Police
