July 19, 2021 4:40 p.m. (updated 7/20 3:45 a.m.)

A motorcycle versus vehicle crash claimed the life of former Douglas County Commissioner Joe Laurance on Monday afternoon.

A report from Oregon State Police said at approximately 12:30 p.m. troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle wreck on Highway 138E near Fall Creek. That’s about five miles west of Steamboat.

A preliminary investigation revealed that an SUV driven by a Wisconsin man was westbound and attempted to turn left into a roadside pull out when it was struck by an also westbound motorcycle operated by Laurance, age 71.

Laurance sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. The SUV driver was not injured. OSP was assisted by Glide Rural Fire Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Laurance served as a Douglas County Commissioner in position #2 for two terms, from January 2007 to December 2014. That seat is now held by Commissioner Tim Freeman.

The Board of Commissioners issued a press release extending their condolences to Laurance’s family and friends.

Commissioner Tim Freeman said, “We were profoundly saddened to hear the news of the passing of Joe Laurance. He was a colorful character, who was passionate about Douglas County, where he was proud to call home. Joe was a friend and he will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends”.