Salem man killed in crash on Highway 126

A Salem man was killed on Highway 126 near Belknap Springs Sunday afternoon when an oncoming vehicle came into his lane and he lost control trying to avoid a collision, Oregon State Police reported.

A preliminary investigation found that around 2:30 p.m., a vehicle was heading east on the highway at milepost 19 near Belknap Springs Road when it crossed the center line and into the path of a 2007 Toyota Tacoma towing a travel trailer, said OSP Capt. Bill Fugate.

The vehicle moved back into the eastbound lane, but the pickup driver, Kermit Lisle Jr., 64, of Salem, lost control trying to avoid a collision. It crashed into a dirt embankment, collided with several trees and rolled over.

Lisle was pronounced dead at the scene, Fugate said.

The other vehicle (Fugate did not info on what type) continued eastbound but was located a short time later. The driver, Leslie Wright, 64, of Wilder, Idaho, is cooperating with the investigation, Fugate said.

The crash and investigation closed Highway 126 until one lane reopened around 4:30 p.m. The road was fully open again by about 8 p.m.

OSP was assisted at the scene by BLM Law Enforcement, Upper McKenzie Fire and EMS and ODOT. Fugate said more information will be released when it becomes available.