WASCO COUNTY, OR — October 13, 2026 Craig Gerard Russillo, a 55-year-old resident of Bend, Oregon, died following a two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 26 near Government Camp in Wasco County on Tuesday evening, October 13, according to Oregon State Police (OSP).
The collision occurred at approximately 6:22 p.m. near milepost 62. Investigators reported that a white 2024 Ford Transit van traveling westbound crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a 2022 Subaru Outback head-on. Russillo was driving the Subaru.
The impact caused the Subaru to catch fire. Several motorists who witnessed the aftermath stopped to help and removed Russillo from the burning vehicle. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Ford Transit driver, identified as 20-year-old Alexander Nikkole Meira of Portland, sustained minor injuries and received treatment at a nearby hospital.
Oregon State Police indicated that impairment may have contributed to the collision. Following medical treatment, Meira was arrested on charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII), reckless driving, and second-degree manslaughter. Authorities lodged him at the Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Facility.
The crash and subsequent investigation affected traffic along Highway 26 for approximately five hours. Responding agencies included the Hoodland Fire Department, American Medical Response, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
