MADRAS, OR -- An 88-year-old Madras man was killed in a weekend crash that closed Highway 26 for several hours Saturday morning. According to Oregon State Police, Robert Towler pulled out onto the highway from NW Columbia Drive, northwest of Madras, and drove into the path of an SUV, driven by a West Linn man.

The SUV struck Towler’s driver’s door; he died at the scene. The other driver was not hurt but two passengers went to the hospital with minor injuries. 

Highway 26 was closed for more than three hours Saturday for the investigation.