Jared Elijah Cooper Obituary, Death News – Authorities in Jefferson County are continuing to investigate a traffic incident that resulted in the death of a pedestrian along a stretch of Highway 97 on Saturday.
According to information released by law enforcement, the incident occurred in the northbound lanes of the highway during the daytime hours. Officials confirmed that a man was struck by a vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was later identified as 38-year-old Jared Elijah Cooper of Madras.
The driver involved in the incident was identified as a 63-year-old man from Sandy, Utah, who was operating a sport utility vehicle at the time. Authorities reported that the driver was not injured and remained at the scene while emergency responders and investigators arrived.
Preliminary findings indicate that the vehicle had been stopped along the shoulder of the roadway prior to the incident. Investigators believe the driver was attempting to re-enter the flow of traffic when the collision occurred. Officials emphasized that these details are part of an early investigation and may change as more information becomes available.
Emergency personnel responded quickly, and the area was secured to allow investigators to examine the scene. As a result, Highway 97 was temporarily closed for several hours while authorities worked to document evidence and ensure the safety of other motorists. Traffic was rerouted during this time, and the highway was reopened once the investigation at the scene was completed.
The Oregon State Police are leading the investigation, with assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation. Officials stated that multiple agencies worked together to manage traffic, collect information, and support the investigation process.
At this time, the exact cause of the incident has not been determined. Law enforcement officials have not released additional details regarding contributing factors and noted that the investigation remains ongoing. No charges or citations have been announced.
Authorities reminded the public that highway shoulders can be dangerous areas for both drivers and pedestrians, especially along busy roadways. Law enforcement continues to encourage motorists to remain alert, reduce distractions, and use extra caution when merging or traveling near stopped vehicles.
Officials also urged pedestrians to take safety precautions and remain aware of traffic conditions when near highways or major roads. While investigations are underway, authorities emphasized the importance of allowing law enforcement to complete their work before drawing conclusions.
The Oregon State Police stated they will release further updates if additional information becomes available. Community members were encouraged to rely on official sources for accurate updates and to avoid speculation as the investigation continues.
Law enforcement expressed condolences to the family and loved ones affected by the incident. Officials reiterated their commitment to improving roadway safety and reducing the risk of future accidents through continued enforcement, education, and cooperation among agencies.
