KLAMATH COUNTY, OR - On Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 10:02 a.m., Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97, near milepost 174, in Klamath County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a southbound Peterbilt CMV and trailer, operated by Desiree Danielle Johnson (34) of St. Petersburg (FL), when it lost control and jackknifed in the roadway. The Peterbilt spun and crossed into the path of a northbound Honda Pilot, operated by Elise Adair Farrens (37) of La Pine, where the Honda struck the CMV trailer.
The operator of the Honda (Farrens) was declared deceased at the scene. A passenger in the Honda, Daviana Marie Trussell (23) of La Pine, was transported to the hospital with critical injuries. Trussell, who was pregnant, tragically suffered the loss of her child due to injuries sustained during the crash.
The operator of the Peterbilt (Johnson) reportedly suffered minor injuries.
The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Department, Crescent Fire, and ODOT.
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About the Oregon State PoliceOregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
