Fatal Crash on Hwy 97-Deschutes County

On Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at approximately 9:30 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Hwy 97 near milepost 129. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a pedestrian, identified as Anthony Manuel Hernandez (40) of Madras, was walking in the lanes of travel when he was struck by a southbound black Mercedes GI5, operated by Howard Dietrich (45) of Portland. Hernandez had run out of fuel and was walking back to his vehicle at the time of the crash. 

Hernandez sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. 

OSP was assisted by Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and ODOT.