KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. (April 13, 2026) — A two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 in Klamath County on Sunday afternoon resulted in the death of a Portland man, according to the Oregon State Police.
Troopers responded to the crash at approximately 3:48 p.m. on April 12 near milepost 220.
Preliminary findings indicate a black Kia Forte, driven by 48-year-old Mark Evan Simpson of Portland, was traveling northbound when it approached the scene of a separate, non-injury three-vehicle crash. Investigators say the Kia crossed the center line, entered the southbound lane, and collided head-on with a Volvo 760 commercial motor vehicle.
The Volvo, operated by 59-year-old Das Balbir of Richmond, British Columbia, had been pulling onto the shoulder in an attempt to avoid a disabled vehicle from the earlier crash.
Following the impact, the Kia spun back across the northbound lanes before coming to rest against a tree off the shoulder.
Simpson was pronounced dead at the scene. Balbir was not injured.
Highway 97 was affected for approximately five hours as crews conducted the on-scene investigation and cleared the roadway.
Oregon State Police were assisted by the Chemult Rural Fire Protection District, Chiloquin Fire and Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
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