Woman Sentenced to 10 Years for DUII Crash That Killed Bicyclist in South Medford

Medford, Oregon- A Jackson County woman was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison for a 2024 DUII crash on South Pacific Highway that killed a bicyclist.

Cassie Cavagnaro, 36, pleaded guilty in Jackson County Circuit Court to second-degree manslaughter, failure to perform the duties of a driver to injured persons, driving under the influence of intoxicants, and second-degree criminal mischief, prosecutors said. Judge Laura Cromwell handed down the prison sentence and revoked Cavagnaro’s driver’s license, ruling that she will not be eligible for any reduction in her sentence.

The charges stemmed from a fatal crash on Oct. 11, 2024, when Cavagnaro struck and killed 41-year-old Jimilee Thomas around 3:30 p.m. while driving southbound on South Pacific Highway.

Investigators with the Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team determined that Cavagnaro had been huffing inhalants before the crash. Witnesses reported seeing her using inhalants behind the wheel and warned her to stop driving. When she refused, they called 911 and followed her while updating dispatchers with her location.

Authorities said Cavagnaro swerved into the bike lane and hit Thomas, who was pronounced dead at the scene. After the collision, Cavagnaro drove across multiple lanes of traffic and parked near a Rogue Credit Union before attempting to walk away. She was taken into custody after investigators observed signs of intoxication and found a can of inhalant in her vehicle.

Prosecutors said Thomas’ family supported the plea agreement that led to Cavagnaro’s sentencing.

The Jackson County District Attorney’s Office said the case underscores the dangers of impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 10,000 people die each year in crashes involving impaired drivers nationwide.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Anderson and Deputy District Attorney Brannon Schwab.