KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. – A Portland man died in a collision with a commercial truck on Highway 97 on April 12 at 3:48 p.m.
According to Oregon State Police (OSP), Mark Evan Simpson, 48, was driving a black Kia Forte northbound when he crossed the center line near milepost 220. Simpson's vehicle collided head-on with a Volvo 760 commercial truck, driven by 59-year-old Das Balbir of Richmond, British Columbia.
The truck was reportedly maneuvering onto the shoulder to avoid a disabled vehicle from an unrelated, non-injury crash at the time. Following the impact, Simpson's Kia spun back across the northbound lanes before coming to rest against a tree off the shoulder.
Simpson was pronounced dead at the scene, while Balbir sustained no injuries. The highway was closed for approximately five hours during the investigation and cleanup efforts.
Emergency responders included the Chemult Rural Fire Protection District, Chiloquin Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, according to authorities.