Klamath County, OR — January 9, 2026, Douglas Fordyce was killed in a truck accident at about 6:20 p.m. on U.S. Highway 97/The Dalles-California Highway.

Authorities said a Ford F-450 was turning onto the highway from Silver Lake Road when it collided with a southbound Freightliner semi-truck.

Ford driver Douglas Alan Fordyce, 61, of Douglas, ID was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash north of Chiloquin, according to authorities.

The truck driver and a passenger suffered minor injuries, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Klamath County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash like this happens, where a pickup collides with an 18-wheeler while one is entering a highway, most folks want to know: How exactly did the collision occur? Was the truck speeding? Did the pickup driver misjudge the timing? Did either vehicle have the right of way? These are all fair questions, but until more evidence is gathered, there’s no way to answer them with any certainty.

Authorities say a Ford F-450 was turning onto U.S. Highway 97 from Silver Lake Road when it collided with a southbound semi-truck. That tells us where it happened and generally how, but not why. And why is the whole ballgame when it comes to accountability.

At this point, we don’t know whether the semi had time to react, whether the pickup darted out unexpectedly or whether visibility played a role given that the crash happened around 6:20 p.m., likely after dark in January. These are all unanswered questions that need to be addressed through evidence, not speculation.

The most helpful tools in piecing together what happened are the kinds of data modern trucks typically carry. That includes the engine control module (ECM), which can tell us things like the truck’s speed, brake use, throttle position and steering inputs in the moments leading up to the crash. Dash camera footage, if available, would also help show the truck driver’s point of view and how much time, if any, they had to avoid the collision.

Another line of inquiry involves the truck driver’s background and the company’s hiring and training practices. Was this a well-qualified driver with a clean record, or someone with prior violations who was hired without proper vetting? I’ve seen companies throw inexperienced drivers into dangerous situations because they didn’t want to take the time or spend the money to ensure those drivers were properly trained. If that’s a factor here, it could significantly change the picture of who bears responsibility.

The point is, we can’t determine who’s at fault until we know what the evidence shows, whether that evidence comes from onboard truck systems, cell phone records, driver logs or third-party witnesses. And until someone does the work of investigating those sources, this crash is still a mystery waiting to be solved.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s unclear whether the Ford F-450 turned into the truck’s path or if the truck failed to yield or slow down.
• Critical evidence like ECM data, dash cams and cell phone records could clarify what really happened.
• Lighting conditions at the time of the crash may play a role and should be examined closely.
• The trucking company’s hiring and training practices could become relevant if the driver was unqualified.
• Until all the facts are in, assigning blame is premature. The evidence, not assumptions, should lead the way.