On Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 7:27 p.m., the Oregon State Police responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Hwy-97, near milepost 118, in Deschutes County.
All fatal traffic crashes are tragic. When an entire family is lost, the tragic becomes the horrific.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Jesse Carl Ross (43) of Corvallis (MT), was northbound when it crossed the center line, sideswiped a southbound Kenworth commercial motor vehicle and trailer, operated by Thiara Onkar Singh (50) of Livingston (CA), and then struck a Toyota Rav4, operated by Gary J Rutledge (57) of Troutdale, head on. The Toyota subsequently caught fire and became fully engulfed.
The operator of the Toyota, Gary Rutledge, and passengers- Michelle Jean Windsor Rutledge (53), Kate Rutledge (15), and Ryan Rutledge (17)- were all declared deceased at the scene. All of the deceased were related as immediate family members.
The operator of the Chevrolet (Ross) was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
The operator of the Kenworth (Singh) was not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation. The Oregon State Police is working with the district attorney’s office in continuance of the investigation.
