Klamath County, Ore. – A 34-year-old man is dead following a two-vehicle crash Monday morning on Highway 97 in Klamath County. Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to the scene at approximately 8:46 a.m. near milepost 176.
According to OSP investigators, the driver of a northbound Buick LeSabre, identified as Leif Taylor Celusta, lost control of his vehicle and veered into the southbound lane. The LeSabre collided with a southbound Kenworth commercial motor vehicle and trailer, driven by 58-year-old Robert Emil Mewes of Madras.
Celusta was declared dead at the scene, while Mewes, the driver of the Kenworth, was uninjured in the crash.
OSP received assistance from Crescent Fire and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) as they worked to clear the scene. Early reports from OSP suggest that road conditions may have played a key role in the incident.
The crash is currently under investigation by Oregon State Police, and authorities are asking anyone with further information to come forward. The tragic accident highlights the potential hazards of driving in challenging conditions and serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices.
The identities of those involved were released by law enforcement, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.