CROOK COUNTY, OR - Oregon State Police (OSP) report that on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 5:51 a.m., OSP responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hwy 26, near milepost 26, in Crook County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Toyota Tundra, operated by Clifford Dean Shields (54) of Prineville, for unknown reasons, drifted across the eastbound lane, left the roadway, and struck a rock and tree.
The vehicle began to roll and came to rest on the passenger side on the east side of the highway. Motorists in the area stopped, extricated the operator, and performed CPR.
The operator of the Toyota (Shields) was declared deceased at the scene.
The highway was impacted for approximately 3 hours during the on-scene investigation. A medical event is considered the possible cause of the crash.
OSP was assisted by the Crook County Sheriff's Office, Crook County Fire and Rescue, and ODOT.
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About the Oregon State Police
Oregon 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.
