Madras man struck, killed walking on Hwy. 26

A 52-year-old Madras man walking in the travel lane of Highway 26 north of Madras was struck and killed Thursday night, Oregon State Police reported.

Troopers said Robert C. Towler, 78, of Madras, was heading west on Highway 26 about two miles north of Madras when he encountered a man walking in the dark travel lane.

Towler tried to avoid him but struck the pedestrian, identified as Michael D. Thompson, 52, of Madras.

Thompson was taken by ambulance to St. Charles Madras, where he died after arrival, troopers said.

Towler was unhurt in the collision, troopers said.

OSP troopers from the Bend and Madras offices are continuing the investigation. Trooper Derreck Ellena is the lead investigator.

OSP was assisted at the scene by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Fire District No. 1 and ODOT.