Family of 4 killed on their way to see annual eclipse

Residents of Troutdale, Oregon are in mourning after a family of four were killed in a three-vehicle crash last week while on the way to watch an eclipse.

According to tragic reports, Gary Rutledge, 57, Michelle Jean Windsor Rutledge, 53, Kate Rutledge, 15, and Ryan Rutledge, 17, were all killed when a Chevrolet Silverado crossed the center line on Highway 97 in Redmond, Oregon and, after sideswiping a commercial vehicle and trailer, collided head-on with their car.

The Rutledges neighbor Cynthia Jacobsen, who had known the family for 10 years, said: “Its horrible, it’s a horrible thing. They were just going to take their children to see the eclipse. I mean, they were doing a wonderful family outing because they are that kind of people that always wanted to do something for their family, and it ended like that.”

Oregon State Police said that the Rutledge family were all killed immediately, while the driver of the Silverado was hospitalized with grave injuries. The commercial truck driver, meanwhile, wasn’t injured in the crash.

The Reynolds School District confirmed that both Kate and Ryan Rutledge were students at Reynolds High School, where Kate was a sophomore and Ryan a junior.

“The entire RSD family is saddened about this tragic loss,” the district said in a statement.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of the Rutledge family. We will provide support services at Reynolds High School for students and staff, and at Walt Morey Middle School and Sweetbriar Elementary on Monday for anyone who needs them, as they attended those schools as well.”

Neighbor Cynthia Jacobsen added: “I mean, they’re just really sweet kids, and the whole neighborhood is in shock and disbelief.

“It’s just so devastating, that they were just wonderful people, caring, kind, compassionate people, very family-driven. They were the kind of people that you just want to be friends with.”