JEFFERSON COUNTY, OR – A heartbreaking accident at a popular Oregon campground has claimed the life of a 6-year-old child who was struck by a moving travel trailer over the weekend.
The Incident at Link Creek
The tragic event occurred around 1:52 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, at the Link Creek Campground near Suttle Lake. According to Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock, emergency dispatchers received an urgent report that a young child was unconscious and not breathing after being struck by a vehicle.
Nearby campers and family members immediately initiated life-saving efforts. Adults from surrounding campsites assisted in providing aid while the family rushed the child to a designated landing zone at the intersection of Highway 20 and Suttle Lake Road.
Emergency Response and Air Transport
First responders from multiple agencies, including the Oregon State Police, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, and Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, rushed to the scene.
A Life Flight Network air ambulance transported the child to St. Charles Bend hospital. Despite all medical efforts, the 6-year-old was later pronounced deceased.
Investigation Details
Investigators spoke with a 5-year-old witness who was with the victim. The children had just retrieved a stuffed animal from their campsite and were returning to the lakeshore. The witness stopped when she saw a vehicle towing a travel trailer approaching at an extremely slow speed.
However, authorities believe the 6-year-old unknowingly stepped into the blind spot between the tow vehicle and the trailer.
- Limited Visibility: The children approached from the right rear area, which heavily restricted the driver’s view.
- No Crime Suspected: The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating fully. Officials state there is no indication of impairment or criminal behavior.
Out of respect for the family’s privacy, authorities have announced that no identifying information regarding the child or their relatives will be released.
