Woman Charged With Manslaughter After Fatal Hit-And-Run With Cyclist In Medford

By Diane Megaw On Oct 17, 2024 Last updated Oct 17, 2024

MEDFORD, Ore. — A suspect has been named and charged after a bicyclist was killed in a Medford hit-and-run that happened on Friday, October 11, at about 3:23 p.m. on South Pacific Highway.

Despite attempts by medical personnel officers to save his life, the Medford Police Department (MPD) confirmed that a bicyclist, 41-year-old Jimilee “James” Thomas, a Bend resident, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Woman Flees After Hitting Cyclist On South Pacific Highway

Witnesses said a vehicle driving erratically on the South Pacific Highway in a southbound direction drifted out of a lane and struck a man on an electric bicycle who was also southbound and cycling legally, in the bike lane.

The vehicle’s driver fled and was shortly thereafter found and apprehended by Meford police officers in a nearby parking lot.

The driver, 36-year-old Cassie Jane Cavagnaro, was determined to be under the influence of an inhalant. An extensive investigation led by the Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team determined she was under the influence of the inhalant “Dust-Off” at the time.

Medford Woman Arrested After Hit-And-Run

Following her arrest, Cavagnaro was lodged at the Jackson County Jail for a probation violation but now faces the following charges:

Reckless Driving
Recklessly Endangering Another Person
Hit and Run – Felony
Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) – Inhalant
Manslaughter in the First Degree
Manslaughter in the Second Degree

As inhalants dissipate quickly, DUI charges involving them are rare and difficult to prosecute. Medford Police Lieutenant Geoff Kirkpatrick said in Cavagnaro’s case, there was probable cause to believe an inhalant was used.

The case is being prosecuted by the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office who worked with the MPD to bring manslaughter charges against Cavagnaro rather than murder. The investigation is ongoing and the MPD expressed their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.