Fatal Crash on Bliss Road in rural Klamath County

KLAMATH COUNTY, Ore. - Today, the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office reported a fatal crash of a 55-year-old driver on Bliss Road in rural Klamath County that occurred on Tuesday afternoon.

“On July 11, 2023, at 4:29 PM, Klamath County 911 was notified of a single-vehicle crash on Bliss Road near milepost seven,” said Klamath County Sheriff, Chris Kaber. “A caller reported to 911 that they had driven up on the scene of the crashed vehicle, which was down an embankment, and the driver was deceased.”

“The caller had to leave the scene to obtain cell service to make the call to 911,” added Sheriff Kaber

KCSO Deputies responded to the incident, as did Klamath County Fire District 3 (Sprague River Fire) and Bonanza Ambulance. Responders confirmed the male driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was deceased. By this time, family and friends were already at the scene.

The driver was identified as Travis Marion Barton.

During the investigation, information was learned that Barton had not returned from work the previous evening. The family was preparing to file a missing person report when the crashed vehicle was located. Barton’s vehicle left the roadway after failing to negotiate a curve.

Bliss Road runs between Oregon Highway 140 near Hildebrand and Sprague River.