Wreck claims two lives near Sisters

A multi-vehicle crash on Highway 20 just outside of Black Butte Ranch claimed two lives and left another man critically injured on Sunday afternoon, June 25.

According to Oregon State Police, troopers and emergency workers responded to a five-vehicle crash on Highway 20 near the Black Butte Ranch entrance at about 3 p.m.

The preliminary OSP investigation revealed that a 1996 Subaru Legacy driven by Ethan G. Moreschi, age 28 from Bend, was eastbound on Highway 20 near Milepost 93 when it crossed the centerline and struck a westbound 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by Katherine L. Sales (age 80 from Eugene). Both Moreschi and Sales died at the scene.

A westbound 2004 HOLR Motorhome, driven by Robert A. Lounsbury, age 49 from North Bend, was towing a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. Lounsbury attempted to avoid the first collision and struck an eastbound 1998 Volkswagen Jetta.

The Jetta was being driven by Timothy R. Thompson (age 28 from Newberg).

Thompson was air transported to St. Charles with critical, life-threatening injuries. Lounsbury was ground transported to St. Charles with minor injuries. Lounsbury's passenger, Tammy R. Lounsbury, age 53 from North Bend, was not injured.

According to OSP, Moreschi and Thompson knew each other and it is believed they were with each other shortly before the crash. Impairment is being considered as a contributing factor for both Moreschi and Thompson.

The highway was affected for approximately six hours. ODOT, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Black Butte Police Department, and Sisters Fire and Rescue assisted OSP.