Madras man dies in Hwy. 26 motorcycle crash

A 65-year-old Madras man was killed Monday evening in a motorcycle crash on Highway 26 about two miles west of Rhododendron, Oregon State Police reported.

The victim, identified as John Edward Tomer, was wearing a helmet, and was pronounced dead at the scene, troopers said.

The crash, which occurred around 7:20 p.m., closed the highway east of Welches in both directions, with a detour in place, until it reopened around 11 p.m.

According to preliminary information, troopers say Tomer’s 2006 Harley-Davidson motorcycle was heading east near milepost 46.

For an unknown reason, they said, the motorcycle traveled across the westbound lane, where a witness in another vehicle slowed to avoid it.

The motorcycle continued off the highway and into a ditch, then hit several trees bordering the north side of the road, troopers said.

OSP troopers from the Portland Area Command office are investigating the crash.

Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Hoodland Fire Department and ODOT assisted at the scene.