KLAMATH COUNTY, OR - According to he Oregon State Police, on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 6:28 p.m., OSP responded to a commercial motor vehicle versus pickup crash on Hwy 97, near milepost 197, in Klamath County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound GMC pickup, operated by Michael Randolph Lasley (78) of Clearlake (CA), crossed into the southbound lane and struck a southbound Peterbilt commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Zachary Ryan Sprangler (29) of Grants Pass, head on.
The operator of the GMC (Lasley) was declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Peterbilt (Sprangler) was reportedly not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately 5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
OSP was assisted by Chemult Fire and ODOT.
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.
