The crash occurred on Highway 97 at approximately 11:43 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, when troopers were dispatched to the scene near milepost 101
Jefferson County, OR – One person was killed after a vehicle struck a pedestrian on Highway 97 near milepost 101 late Saturday morning, according to Oregon State Police.
The crash occurred on Highway 97 at approximately 11:43 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, when troopers were dispatched to the scene near milepost 101.
Investigators said a silver Ford Explorer was stopped on the shoulder of Highway 97 and began merging into the northbound lanes when it struck a pedestrian in the roadway.
The pedestrian, identified as Jared Elijah Cooper, a 38-year-old resident of Madras, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Ford Explorer, identified as James Edwin Legore, a 63-year-old resident of Sandy, Utah, was not injured in the incident. No arrests were made in connection with the crash.
Investigators noted the pedestrian was associated with a gray or aluminum Dodge Grand Caravan that was parked at the crash scene at the time of the collision.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Oregon State Police was assisted at the scene by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Highway 97 was impacted for approximately five hours while law enforcement and emergency crews conducted an on-scene investigation and cleared the roadway.
The incident remains under investigation. Oregon State Police is seeking public assistance and asks anyone who witnessed the crash or observed the vehicles involved between 11:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. to contact OSP's Northern Command Dispatch Center at 800-442-0776 or dial *OSP (*677), referencing case number SP26-010591.
Pedestrian safety continues to be a major concern on Oregon's roadways. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation's safety data, the state has seen elevated numbers of pedestrian deaths in recent years, with 1.5 times more pedestrians killed in 2022 than the previous five-year average (126 deaths vs. 80) and vulnerable road users (including pedestrians) frequently involved in serious crashes. Preliminary state data also show overall traffic fatalities numbering 539 in 2024, highlighting that pedestrians remain an important share of roadway victims. In urban areas like Portland, pedestrians historically made up a significant proportion of traffic fatalities, with Vision Zero reports indicating that they accounted for a large share of deaths in recent years, well above what would be expected given walking's share of travel. Continued emphasis on infrastructure improvements, safer crossing designs, and speed management remains central to reducing pedestrian deaths across Oregon.
If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, it's important to speak with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. An accident attorney will help protect your rights, guide you through the claims process, and ensure you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact a trusted car accident lawyer today to discuss your legal options.