Long-time Madras HS teacher killed in Hwy. 26 crash

A long-time, retired Madras High School teacher was killed and his wife seriously injured Thursday night in a head-on crash of their station wagon and a tanker truck on Highway 26 near Warm Springs, Oregon State Police said.

The crash that killed Steven Rankin, 73, of Madras, and injured Lisbet Hornung, 60, occurred shortly after 9 p.m. near milepost 97 on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, said OSP Sgt. Dave Pond.

Rankin was at the wheel of a 1995 Subaru heading east when it crossed the center line and struck a 2014 Freightliner commercial vehicle driven by Tressie Belcher, 46, of Heppner, who was unhurt, Pond said.

Based on an initial investigation, Pond said, “fatigue is believed to be a contributing factor” in the crash, which closed the highway for about five hours while an investigation was conducted.

OSP was assisted at the scene by the Warm Springs Police Department and Oregon Department of Transportation.

Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Rick Molitor wrote a letter to the community about the tragic crash that claimed the life of “a true community and education leader, mentor and friend.”

In it, he wrote:

“As you are probably aware, Steve has been a life-long champion for children and education in our community. He dedicated his entire teaching career to the students, staff and families at Madras High School, where he worked in the classroom for more than 36 years. Following his retirement in 1995, he continued to teach social studies, civics and advanced placement government at MHS and also provided exceptional added support as an academic coach and head of the MHS social studies department.

“His dedication and passion for education continued with nearly seven years of volunteer service as a member of the Board of Directors for the Jefferson County Education Service District. I was fortunate to be able to work with Steve in his role as the Chairman of the Jefferson County ESD. In this capacity, he worked tirelessly to ensure that all Jefferson County students had access to the programs and services they needed to reach their greatest potential. He has also remained an important and beloved partner to the Jefferson County School District and the communities of Jefferson County.

As we grieve this incredible loss and offer our prayers, thoughts and support to Lisbet, their daughters and family, our crisis team will be available to staff members and students over the coming weeks.

“On behalf of our School Board, ESD Board and the District teams, I thank you for your on-going support during this very difficult time .”