Bend High student dies in Redmond crash

A devastating car accident in Redmond led to the loss of 16-year-old Bradley Hughes, a student at Bend High School. The tragic event unfolded Thursday afternoon when Hughes was behind the wheel of a 2000 Subaru Legacy and crossed the dividing line, resulting in a head-on collision with a 2022 Toyota Tacoma driven by Samuel Palacios Arroyo. Witnesses reported the incident occurred near the intersection of SW Canal Boulevard and SW Quarry Avenue. Despite being rushed to St. Charles Bend, Hughes succumbed to his serious injuries shortly after the crash.

The other driver and his passenger, Victor Enriquez Perez, were treated for minor injuries. In an effort to support the grieving school community, Bend-La Pine Schools set up a counseling team available for students and staff. The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Hughes was not wearing his seatbelt during the accident, while also stating that factors such as alcohol, drugs, and speeding were not involved. This unfortunate incident underscores the critical importance of road safety and seatbelt use among young drivers.