Bend man killed in head-on crash on Highway 26; Portland driver arrested on manslaughter charge

Oct 15

Written By Columbia Community Connection

By Joshuah Albert

Wasco County, Ore., Oct. 15, 2026 — A 55-year-old Bend man was killed Tuesday evening in a head-on collision on Highway 26 near Government Camp after an oncoming van crossed into his lane, according to Oregon State Police.

The crash occurred at approximately 6:22 p.m. Oct. 13 near milepost 62 in Wasco County.

A preliminary investigation determined that a white 2024 Ford Transit van driven by Alexander Nikkole Meira, 20, of Portland, was traveling westbound when it crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a 2022 Subaru Outback driven by Craig Gerard Russillo, 55, of Bend.

The impact caused the Subaru to catch fire. Several passing motorists stopped and pulled Russillo from the burning vehicle, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Meira sustained minor injuries and was treated at an area hospital.

Investigators believe impairment contributed to the crash, according to OSP.

Meira was arrested on suspicion of second-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants, and reckless driving. Meira was lodged at the Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Facility in The Dalles.

The crash and subsequent investigation disrupted traffic on Highway 26 for approximately five hours.

Oregon State Police were assisted by Hood River Fire Department, American Medical Response, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, the Wasco County Sheriff's Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

The investigation remains preliminary, and authorities have not released additional details about the suspected impairment or what caused the van to cross into oncoming traffic.