BEND, Ore. – A Bend woman was killed Wednesday morning in an icy two-vehicle crash near the High Desert Museum south of Bend, police said.

OSP photo

The scene of the deadly crash.

The crash happened about 7 a.m. Laurel Inda, 56, was southbound on US 97 when she lost control of her Ford utility, crossed the center line and was struck by a northbound Toyota Corolla, according to police.

The Corolla was driven by Joseph Jackson, 74.

Both drivers, along with a passenger seated in the right front of the Corolla, suffered injuries. All three were transported to St. Charles Hospital in Bend.

Alethea R. Jackson, 69, who was the right-front passenger in the Toyota Corolla, died at the hospital, police said.

Inda was later released from the hospital with minor injuries. Jackson was held overnight for further observation.

The investigating trooper said that at the time of the crash, US 97 was extremely hazardous due to ice and snow which had accumulated overnight.

"Drivers need to be aware that winter driving conditions are still likely in central Oregon. It is imperative that drivers slow down, especially if they have already removed their traction tires, and account for their increase in travel time," said Oregon State Police Sergeant Paul Collinsworth.