Monday’s fatal crash on Highway 44 in Palo Cedro actually involved 3 vehicles, according to the CHP, who have clarified the story based on witness statements. At about 7 O’clock Monday morning, 31-year-old Robert Reed and 48-year-old Jonathon Hill were both driving westbound on Highway 44 up the hill west of Deschutes Road. Hill was in the slow lane and started to move his Nissan Altima to the left into the passing lane but then saw Reed’s Chevy pickup was already there so he quickly moved back into the slow lane. Reed, trying to avoid being hit by the Nissan, swerved to the left but went too far and crossed into the eastbound side into the path of a Chevy Trailblazer driven by 68-year-old Timothy Moore. The two Chevys smashed head-on into each other. Reed’s pickup overturned onto the south side of the highway. Passersby were able to pull him from the truck before it was overcome by fire. They used fire extinguishers and dirt to suppress the flames until firefighters got there. Meanwhile, Moore was trapped inside his SUV and had to be extricated by fire-rescue personnel. He was taken to Mercy Medical Center, where he died. Reed suffered major injuries, including several compound fractures.
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