Bend man killed in crash on Cascades Lakes highway

Published 3:30 pm Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Stock image

A Bend man was killed when his vehicle failed to negotiate a turn and rolled several times early Tuesday morning on Cascade Lakes Highway.  

James Kyle Smelcer, 33, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a news release from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

The accident occurred about 3:45 a.m. near the road that leads to Todd Lake. Smelcer was the only person in the vehicle, a 2004 Ford Ranger, the sheriff’s office said.

Speed is believed to have been a factor in the crash, but it is not believed alcohol contributed to the accident, the sheriff’s office said.

Smelcer was employed as a manager at Pacific Pizza and Brew in Bend, according to his LinkedIn profile. He had previously worked at Pizza Mondo.

Marketplace