Sleepy driver hits horse statue

An 18-year-old driver escaped injury when he fell asleep at the wheel early Friday morning, July 7, and crashed his pickup truck into the plinth of the equestrian statue on Cascade Avenue at the east end of Sisters.

According to the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched to a report of the wreck at 5:22 a.m., where they found 18-year-old Skylar Doss of Clinton, Missouri, in his white 2005 Ford Ranger.

"Upon arrival deputies contacted the driver, Skylar Doss, who was alone in the vehicle," Lt. Ty Rupert reported. "Doss stated he fell asleep and crashed head-on into the horse statue in this area. Both airbags deployed inside the vehicle, Doss did not suffer any injuries from the crash.

"The investigation determined Doss was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the initial report of him falling asleep was accurate."

"The Wild Stallion" statue, sculpted by Lorenzo Ghiglieri and dedicated in 2009, appeared undamaged.