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Oct 16, 2024

Bend chef riding e-bike dies in alleged hit-and-run in Medford | Local News | centraloregondaily.com

Medford Police are investigating after a Bend chef was killed when his e-bike was hit by a vehicle in an alleged hit-and-run last Friday. Jason Thomas was riding southbound on South Pacific Highway in

Medford Police are investigating after a Bend chef was killed when his e-bike was hit by a vehicle in an alleged hit-and-run last Friday.

Jason Thomas was riding southbound on South Pacific Highway in the bike lane when a vehicle, also heading southbound, drifted into his lane and hit him, police said. The driver kept going and left the scene, but was later found by officers.

Medford Police tells Central Oregon Daily that it's believed the driver was impaired and that the investigation will likely last quite a while because it is a fatality. The driver’s name has not been released.

KDRV-TV reported residents also blame a lack of speed enforcement in the area and say the bike lane is difficult to see.

Thomas worked a several Bend restaurants including The Phoenix and Bend Brewing.

A GoFundMe has been set up to support Jason’s wife, Nikki. They had recently been traveling in their RV while Nikki was working as a critical care travel nurse.

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