Single Vehicle Crash On Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway (Photo) - 08/22/23

Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall

Release Date: August 22, 2023

Location: Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, mile post 24.5

Driver: Smelcer, Kyle James, 33-year-old male, Bend

Vehicle: 2004 Ford Ranger

Narrative: 

On August 22, 2023, at approximately 3:45 am, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a report of an injury motor vehicle crash on the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. 

The initial reports detailed a single vehicle crash, the sole occupant being the male driver, who was unconscious and not breathing.

Bend Fire and Rescue responded to the crash to assist. The driver was determined to be deceased as a result of the crash.

During the crash investigation it was determined the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway, entering the soft shoulder and ultimately rolling several times. Speed is believed to be a factor in this crash, alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this crash.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.