Jefferson County, Ore. 6 July 24- On Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 9:11 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-26, at the intersection with Northwest Columbia Dr., in Jefferson County. The preliminary investigation indicated a Ford Escape, operated by Robert Carroll Towler (88) of Madras, was facing south on Northwest Columbia Dr at the stop sign. The Ford made a right-hand turn onto westbound Hwy-26 and entered the path of a westbound GMC Sierra, operated by Donald Michael Stucky (59) of West Linn. The GMC struck the driver’s side door of the Ford as it entered the lane of travel. The operator of the Ford (Towler) was declared deceased at the scene. The operator of the GMC (D. Stucky) was not injured during the collision. Two Passengers in the GMC, Nesja Geneva Stucky (57) and Maia Cathlyne Stucky (22), were transported for reportedly minor injuries. A third passenger in the GMC, Gavin Lee Pilant (21) of Beaverton, was not injured. The highway was impacted for approximately 3.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is believed to be failing to yield the right of way when entering the highway. OSP was assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriffs’ Office, Madras Fire, and ODOT.
