On Sunday, July 2, 2023, at approximately 12:20 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 26, near milepost 198, in Grant County. The preliminary investigation indicated a Dodge Ram pickup, operated by Michael Thomas Owen (64) of Bend, was traveling westbound on US 26, near milepost 198, when it left the roadway for an unknown reason and crashed into a tree. The operator (Michael) was declared deceased at the scene. A passenger in the vehicle, Lynn Owen (66) of Bend, was transported to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries. The highway was minimally impacted during the investigation. OSP was assisted by Blue Mountain Hospital Ambulance and ODOT.
