Bend man dies in head-on collision near Government Camp

A Bend man died in a head-on collision Tuesday on U.S. Highway 26 near Government Camp. The other driver sustained minor injuries and was believed to be impaired.

Craig Gerard Russillo, 55, of Bend, was driving east on Highway 26 in a Subaru Outback when a Ford Transit van crossed over into eastbound traffic and hit the Russillo’s car head-on.

The Ford Transit van was driven by Alexander Nikkole Meira, 20 of Portland. The crash happened just after 6:20 p.m.

Russillo’s car caught fire and passersby pulled him from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Meira sustained minor injuries, which were treated at a hospital.

The press release from Oregon State Police said that impairment is believed to be a factor in the crash.

Meira was arrested and lodged into the Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Facility on DUII charges, reckless driving and manslaughter in the second degree.

Highway 26 was impacted for roughly five hours for an on-scene investigation by law enforcement. The response included the Hoodland Fire Department, American Medical Response, the Clackamas and Wasco County Sheriff’s Offices and the Oregon Department of Transportation.