The crash occurred on Highway 97 at approximately 4:02 a.m. near Grass Valley in Sherman County.
Sherman County, OR – One person was killed in a two-vehicle collision on Highway 97 near milepost 31 early Monday morning, January 5, 2026, according to Oregon State Police.
The crash occurred on Highway 97 at approximately 4:02 a.m. near Grass Valley in Sherman County.
Preliminary investigation by authorities indicates that a red Honda HRV, driven by 64-year-old Kenneth MacDonald of Bradenton, FL, was traveling northbound on Highway 97 when it left its lane of travel for undetermined reasons. The Honda subsequently collided head-on with a southbound white Freightliner semi-tractor operated by 32-year-old Maynor Mendieta Saravia of Willows, CA.
MacDonald, the driver of the Honda, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Freightliner, Mendieta Saravia, was not injured in the collision. No arrests were reported.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with preliminary indications that the Honda left its travel lane before the impact.
Oregon State Police responded and led the on-scene investigation. They were assisted by the Sherman County Sheriff's Office, South Sherman Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The highway was closed for approximately four hours during the investigation and clean-up, causing traffic delays in the area. Motorists were asked to seek alternate routes or expect delays.
The crash remains under investigation by Oregon State Police as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
Oregon Crash Statistics
According to the most recent Oregon State Police (OSP) Crash Statistics, Oregon reported over 46,000 total traffic crashes in 2024, including more than 330 fatal collisions statewide. Head-on and lane departure collisions have been a leading contributor to serious injuries and fatalities on rural highways such as Highway 97. These figures are compiled annually by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and OSP. For detailed statewide crash data, visit the Oregon State Police Traffic Safety Division and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Traffic Safety Facts.
If you lost a loved one in an Oregon crash, you may have legal options available. A wrongful death attorney can help surviving family members understand their rights and pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering. Speaking with an experienced attorney can help ensure accountability and protect your family's future during a difficult time.