Bend Man Killed in Wasco County Crash, Driver of Other Vehicle Suspected of Being Under the Influence

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A Bend man was killed Tuesday evening in a head-on crash on Highway 26 near Government Camp in Wasco County. The driver of the other vehicle, a 20-year-old Portland resident, was arrested on charges including driving under the influence of intoxicants and second-degree manslaughter.

According to Oregon State Police, the two-vehicle crash occurred at approximately 6:22 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, near milepost 62. A westbound van crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a Subaru Outback head-on, causing the Subaru to catch fire.

Alexander Nikkole Meira, 20, of Portland, was driving the white 2024 Ford Transit van. Meira sustained minor injuries and was treated at an area hospital before being booked into the Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Facility. Police said impairment is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash and Meira was charged with DUII, reckless driving and second-degree manslaughter.

Craig Gerard Russillo, 55, of Bend, operated the 2022 Subaru Outback. Several passersby pulled Russillo from the burning vehicle, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash investigation closed or impacted traffic on Highway 26 for approximately 5 hours. Oregon State Police were assisted at the scene by 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.