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News Release

Child Struck By Vehicle At Suttle Lake - 05/26/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
May 23, 2026

Child Struck by Vehicle at Suttle Lake

On May 23, 2026, at approximately 1:52 p.m., the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was advised of a medical emergency at the Link Creek Campground near Suttle Lake. Information relayed from Deschutes County dispatch indicated that a six-year-old child had been struck by a vehicle and was unconscious and not breathing.

Deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded, along with the Oregon State Police, Black Butte Police Department, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District. Life Flight Network also responded.

Family members and nearby campers immediately began life-saving efforts. Family members transported the child to the designated landing zone while additional adults from nearby campsites assisted in providing aid until emergency responders arrived.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., deputies arrived at the intersection of Highway 20 and Suttle Lake Road, where the child had been transferred to an air ambulance. The child was flown to St. Charles Bend and was later pronounced deceased.

Deputies remained with and supported the child's family, who are from the Redmond area, alongside hospital chaplains and Oregon State Police personnel.

A five-year-old child witness who had been with the six-year-old at the time provided information regarding the events leading up to the incident. According to the child witness, the two children had run from the lakeshore area to their campsite to retrieve a stuffed animal and were returning toward the lake area. The child witness stated she stopped when she observed a vehicle towing a travel trailer approaching.

Based on information gathered during the investigation, investigators believe the six-year-old child unknowingly entered the area between the tow vehicle and travel trailer combination, where contact occurred with the trailer.

Witnesses stated the vehicle and trailer were moving at an extremely slow speed at the time. Information gathered during the investigation indicates the children approached from the right rear area of the tow vehicle and trailer combination, an area that may have limited the driver's visibility. Investigators believe this contributed to the driver not realizing an impact had occurred.

The driver, a man from the Portland area, remained on scene and cooperated fully with responders. At this time, investigators have found no indication of impairment or criminal behavior.

Responding agencies documented the scene and assisted medical personnel, ensuring all relevant details were recorded while also providing support to those involved in this tragic incident.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and all those affected by this tragedy. Out of respect for the family's privacy, no identifying information regarding the child or relatives will be released.

For media inquiries, please contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer.

Respectfully,

Jason Pollock, Sheriff

 

Child Struck By Vehicle At Suttle Lake - 05/26/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
May 23, 2026

Child Struck by Vehicle at Suttle Lake

On May 23, 2026, at approximately 1:52 p.m., the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was advised of a medical emergency at the Link Creek Campground near Suttle Lake. Information relayed from Deschutes County dispatch indicated that a six-year-old child had been struck by a vehicle and was unconscious and not breathing.

Deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded, along with the Oregon State Police, Black Butte Police Department, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District. Life Flight Network also responded.

Family members and nearby campers immediately began life-saving efforts. Family members transported the child to the designated landing zone while additional adults from nearby campsites assisted in providing aid until emergency responders arrived.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., deputies arrived at the intersection of Highway 20 and Suttle Lake Road, where the child had been transferred to an air ambulance. The child was flown to St. Charles Bend and was later pronounced deceased.

Deputies remained with and supported the child's family, who are from the Redmond area, alongside hospital chaplains and Oregon State Police personnel.

A five-year-old child witness who had been with the six-year-old at the time provided information regarding the events leading up to the incident. According to the child witness, the two children had run from the lakeshore area to their campsite to retrieve a stuffed animal and were returning toward the lake area. The child witness stated she stopped when she observed a vehicle towing a travel trailer approaching.

Based on information gathered during the investigation, investigators believe the six-year-old child unknowingly entered the area between the tow vehicle and travel trailer combination, where contact occurred with the trailer.

Witnesses stated the vehicle and trailer were moving at an extremely slow speed at the time. Information gathered during the investigation indicates the children approached from the right rear area of the tow vehicle and trailer combination, an area that may have limited the driver's visibility. Investigators believe this contributed to the driver not realizing an impact had occurred.

The driver, a man from the Portland area, remained on scene and cooperated fully with responders. At this time, investigators have found no indication of impairment or criminal behavior.

Responding agencies documented the scene and assisted medical personnel, ensuring all relevant details were recorded while also providing support to those involved in this tragic incident.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and all those affected by this tragedy. Out of respect for the family's privacy, no identifying information regarding the child or relatives will be released.

For media inquiries, please contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer.

Respectfully,

Jason Pollock, Sheriff