HARNEY COUNTY, OR (October 20, 2025) — A 91-year-old Burns resident, identified as James Joseph Hammeke, died Monday afternoon following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 20 in Harney County.
Accident Details: Oregon State Police reported that the crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. near milepost 144 on Highway 20. Investigators said Hammeke was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe and had entered the highway from Rattlesnake Road when a westbound Freightliner truck and trailer struck the driver’s side of his vehicle.
The Freightliner, driven by 45-year-old Jaswinder Singh Sidhu of Oregon City, collided with the Tahoe’s door and front fender, causing heavy damage to the SUV. Emergency personnel responded quickly and transported Hammeke to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Sidhu was not injured in the crash.
Authorities closed Highway 20 for approximately four hours while investigators documented the scene and cleared debris. OSP was assisted by the Burns Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Investigation: Oregon State Police are leading the investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision. Officers examined skid marks, vehicle positions, and road conditions to assess how Hammeke’s vehicle entered the westbound lanes. Weather and visibility conditions at the time of the crash are also being reviewed.
Investigators have not announced any citations or contributing factors. The crash report will include findings on whether driver visibility, speed, or roadway configuration may have influenced the collision. Highway 20 is a key rural route with limited lighting and long straight sections that can make judging distance and timing at intersections challenging for drivers.
Legal Considerations: Crashes between commercial trucks and smaller passenger vehicles tend to cause life-threatening injuries due to the large size and force involved. Investigators typically review factors such as right-of-way, sightlines, and the truck’s speed and braking data to assess accountability.
Families who lose loved ones in fatal truck accidents like this may later rely on official findings and insurance reports to understand how the crash occurred and whether any roadway improvements could enhance safety. Review of intersection design or additional signage may follow as agencies evaluate long-term prevention measures on Highway 20.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of James Joseph Hammeke during this time of loss.
Source: Harney County News