PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A Troutdale family of four was killed and one person was seriously injured in a crash involving multiple vehicles in Deschutes County on Thursday night, Oregon State Police said.
Investigators say a Montana resident was driving a Chevrolet Silverado northbound on Highway 97 when he crossed the center line and sideswiped a southbound commercial truck and trailer, which was being driven by a California resident.
The truck driver then hit a Toyota RAV4, driven by Gary Rutledge, 57, of Troutdale, head-on, according to authorities. The RAV4 then caught fire and became fully engulfed, authorities say.
Rutledge and his passengers, 53-year-old Michelle Rutledge, 15-year-old Kate Rutledge, and 17-year-old Ryan Rutledge, were all declared dead at the scene.
Reynolds School District officials said, “Ryan and Kate were in their sophomore and freshman years at RHS. They both attended Walt Morey and Sweetbriar.”
Officials report that the Silverado driver was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries and the commercial truck driver was not injured.
“All fatal crashes are tragic,” Oregon State Police said in a statement. “When an entire family is lost, the tragic becomes horrific.”
Any witnesses to this crash are encouraged to immediately contact the Oregon State Police.
The investigation is ongoing.
