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MEDFORD, Ore. — A Jackson County woman, 36-year-old Cassie Cavagnaro, was sentenced to 10 years in prison Wednesday for a DUII crash on South Pacific Highway that killed 41-year-old Jason (Jimilee) Thomas, a former Bend chef, as he was bicycling in South Medford on October 11 last year.
Court documents indicate that Cavagnaro swerved into the bike lane and hit Thomas, who was pronounced dead at the scene, before driving across multiple lanes of traffic. She parked near a Rogue Credit Union before trying to walk away.
Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team investigators determined that Cavagnaro had been huffing inhalants before the crash, and witnesses reported seeing her using inhalants behind the wheel and warned her to stop driving.
They called 911 when she refused and followed her as they updated dispatchers with her location. On arrival, investigators observed signs of intoxication and found a can of inhalant in her vehicle.
Cavagnaro was taken into custody the same day. After initially seeking a pretrial delay to review expert evidence, she pleaded guilty in the Jackson County Circuit Court to several charges relating to the fatal crash:
- Second-degree manslaughter
- Failure to perform the duties of a driver to injured persons
- Driving under the influence of intoxicants
- Second-degree criminal mischief
Judge Laura Cromwell handed down the prison sentence. She revoked Cavagnaro’s driver’s license, ruling that she will not be eligible for any reduction in her sentence. According to prosecutors, Thomas’ family supported the plea agreement that led to Cavagnaro’s sentencing.
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