Sisters woman killed in I-5 crash

Taylor Nieri, who grew up in Sisters and graduated from Sisters High School as Athlete of the Year in 2013, was killed in a rollover accident on Interstate 5 on Sunday, July 16.

On July 16, at about 5 p.m., Oregon State Police and first responders were dispatched to a single-vehicle rollover on Interstate 5 near milepost 133. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2002 Chevy van, operated by Nieri, age 22, of Eugene, was southbound when one of its tires blew out causing Nieri to lose control.

The van went off the roadway and onto the shoulder where it rolled multiple times, coming to rest on its top after crossing Rogers Road, a county road adjacent to Interstate 5. During the crash the rear passenger, Nieri's husband, James Thorp, 35, was ejected.

Nieri was declared dead at the scene by first responders. Thorpe was transported by ground ambulance to Mercy Medical Center and was later taken by air ambulance to Sacred Heart at Riverbend with critical injuries.

OSP is continuing the investigation into the crash. Nieri was wearing safety restraints at the time of the crash. Thorpe was not wearing safety restraints.