A 77-year-old Antelope man was killed Saturday afternoon in a two-vehicle collision on Highway 97 in Jefferson County, according to the Oregon State Police.
Thomas Derrig Jagels was pronounced dead at the scene after his gray Honda Civic crossed into oncoming traffic near milepost 75, approximately three miles north of Madras. The crash occurred at approximately 3:03 p.m. on Saturday, October 26.
According to a preliminary investigation by OSP, Jagels was traveling southbound when he attempted to make a left turn across northbound lanes. His vehicle crossed directly into the path of a white Ford Sprinter van operated by Ronald Lee Jensen, 67, of The Dalles. Jensen was not injured in the collision.
Jefferson County Fire and EMS, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation all assisted at the scene. Oregon State Police reported that traffic on Highway 97 was not significantly impacted during the on-scene investigation.
Highway 97 is the primary north–south corridor through Jefferson County, carrying heavy freight and passenger traffic between Madras, Bend, and The Dalles. Motorists are reminded to exercise caution at rural intersections and when making left-turn movements across the busy highway.
The Oregon State Police are continuing their investigation. No further details have been released. Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the OSP Bend Area Command at (541) 388-6111.