Jefferson County, Oregon — A tragic accident at an Oregon campground has left a family grieving after a 6-year-old child died following a collision involving a travel trailer near Suttle Lake.
Authorities say the heartbreaking incident happened during Memorial Day weekend at the Link Creek Campground, where families had gathered to enjoy the holiday outdoors.
Child Struck Near Campground Campsite
According to Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock, deputies received reports of the incident on Saturday, May 23, at approximately 1:52 p.m.
Emergency responders learned that a 6-year-old child was unconscious and not breathing after being struck by a vehicle and trailer combination near the campground.
Several agencies responded to the emergency, including the Oregon State Police, Black Butte Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District and Life Flight Network.
Authorities said nearby campers and family members immediately rushed to help before first responders arrived.
Family and Campers Attempted Life-Saving Efforts
Officials said adults at the campground quickly began providing emergency aid to the child.
“Family members transported the child to the designated landing zone while additional adults from nearby campsites assisted in providing aid until emergency responders arrived,” Pollock stated.
The child was later transferred to an air ambulance near the intersection of Highway 20 and Suttle Lake Road.
“The child was flown to St. Charles Bend and was later pronounced deceased,” the sheriff’s office confirmed.
The tragic loss has deeply impacted both the family and witnesses who were present during the devastating incident.
Stuffed Animal Retrieval Led to Tragic Accident
Investigators later learned the child had reportedly gone to retrieve a stuffed animal from the campsite alongside a 5-year-old witness.
According to authorities, the two children were returning toward the lakeshore area when the younger witness noticed a vehicle towing a travel trailer approaching and stopped.
However, investigators believe the 6-year-old unknowingly moved into a dangerous blind spot between the towing vehicle and the trailer.
Authorities said the child “unknowingly entered the area between the tow vehicle and travel trailer combination, where contact occurred with the trailer.”
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Witnesses reportedly told deputies the vehicle was traveling at “an extremely slow speed at the time.”
Investigators Believe Visibility Played Role
According to Pollock, investigators believe the driver may not have been able to see the child approaching from the rear side of the trailer.
“Information gathered during the investigation indicates the children approached from the right rear area of the tow vehicle and trailer combination, an area that may have limited the driver’s visibility,” Pollock explained.
“Investigators believe this contributed to the driver not realizing an impact had occurred.”
Authorities confirmed the driver remained at the scene and fully cooperated with investigators throughout the investigation.
No Criminal Charges Expected at This Time
The sheriff’s office stated that investigators have found no evidence suggesting impairment, reckless conduct or criminal behavior.
“At this time, investigators have found no indication of impairment or criminal behavior,” Pollock said.
Responding agencies documented the scene and continued assisting family members and witnesses following the tragedy. The sheriff’s office also expressed sympathy for those affected by the heartbreaking incident.
“The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and all those affected by this tragedy,” the release stated.
Officials added that no identifying details about the child or family will be publicly released out of respect for their privacy.
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