Two men were killed following a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 26 in Wasco County, Oregon, on Monday, September 14, 2026.
The victims were identified as Dagoberto Moreno-Prada, 31, of Eugene, Oregon, and J. Natividad Martinez-Colin, 35, of Vancouver, Washington.
According to the Oregon State Police, the fatal collision occurred at approximately 9:16 p.m. near milepost 74. The preliminary investigation indicates that a gold Volvo semi-truck hauling a 53-foot intermodal container was traveling eastbound when it lost control while navigating a corner.
What Happened in the Highway 26 Crash?
Oregon State Police said Moreno-Prada was operating the Volvo semi-truck when the vehicle lost control.
The semi-truck and trailer rolled and slid into the westbound lanes of Highway 26. A westbound Jeep Grand Cherokee operated by Martinez-Colin subsequently collided head-on with the semi-truck and trailer.
The force of the collision caused the intermodal container to become separated from the trailer.
The container and Jeep went through the guardrail and came to rest off the roadway, while the semi-truck continued rolling several times before eventually stopping on the highway.
Two Victims Pronounced Dead at Scene
Both drivers died as a result of the collision.
Moreno-Prada was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Oregon State Police. Martinez-Colin was also pronounced dead at the scene.
Their deaths have left two families and communities in Oregon and Washington mourning the sudden loss of their loved ones.
Highway 26 Crash Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident | Fatal two-vehicle crash |
| Date | September 14, 2026 |
| Time | Approximately 9:16 p.m. |
| Location | U.S. Highway 26 near milepost 74 |
| County | Wasco County, Oregon |
| Victim 1 | Dagoberto Moreno-Prada, 31 |
| Victim 1 hometown | Eugene, Oregon |
| Victim 2 | J. Natividad Martinez-Colin, 35 |
| Victim 2 hometown | Vancouver, Washington |
| Vehicles | Gold Volvo semi-truck and Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Fatalities | Two |
| Investigation | Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit |
Crash Investigation Underway
The investigation into the Highway 26 collision is being handled by the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.
The unit investigates fatal and critical-injury crashes on Oregon highways and was involved in documenting the circumstances of this collision.
Warm Springs Fire & Safety, the Warm Springs Police Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation also assisted authorities at the scene.
The police account remains preliminary, meaning additional information could be released as investigators continue reviewing the evidence and circumstances surrounding the crash.
Highway 26 Closed for Crash Response
The collision significantly affected traffic on Highway 26.
Authorities said the roadway was impacted for approximately eight hours while investigators examined the scene and crews worked to recover the vehicles involved.
The presence of the semi-truck, trailer, intermodal container and Jeep required extensive recovery operations following the collision.
The prolonged response also underscores the scale of the crash and the work required before normal traffic could resume.
Remembering Dagoberto Moreno-Prada
Dagoberto Moreno-Prada, 31, of Eugene, was one of the two people killed in the Highway 26 collision.
According to the preliminary police account, he was operating the gold Volvo semi-truck involved in the crash.
His death represents a sudden loss for his family, friends and the Eugene community.
Those who knew him will now remember his life beyond the circumstances of the nighttime collision and the final journey that ended on Highway 26.
Remembering J. Natividad Martinez-Colin
J. Natividad Martinez-Colin, 35, of Vancouver, Washington, was also killed in the crash.
He was driving the Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling westbound when it collided with the semi-truck and trailer after they entered the westbound lane.
Martinez-Colin’s death has similarly left family, friends and members of his community facing an unexpected loss.
The memories held by those who knew him will form an important part of how he is remembered following the tragedy.
Fatal Highway 26 Collision Leaves Two Communities Mourning
The deaths of Moreno-Prada and Martinez-Colin have brought together two separate communities in mourning.
One victim was from Eugene, Oregon, while the other was from Vancouver, Washington. Their lives were connected to the same roadway tragedy, but each leaves behind their own family, friendships and personal history.
Fatal crashes can happen within moments, but their consequences extend well beyond the roadway.
For the families of both men, the days ahead will involve grieving their loss while waiting for the investigation into the collision to reach its conclusion.
Further Details May Be Released
Oregon State Police have described the investigation as preliminary.
Investigators will continue documenting the crash and reviewing the circumstances that led to the semi-truck losing control and entering the westbound lanes.
At this stage, the available information establishes the sequence described by police but does not provide a final determination beyond the preliminary findings.
Any additional findings released by authorities could provide more information about the collision.
Disclaimer
This article is based on preliminary information from Oregon State Police concerning the September 14, 2026, fatal crash on U.S. Highway 26 near milepost 74 in Wasco County, Oregon. The preliminary investigation identified Dagoberto Moreno-Prada, 31, of Eugene, and J. Natividad Martinez-Colin, 35, of Vancouver, Washington, as the two people killed. Details may change as the investigation continues. No conclusions beyond the information released by authorities should be attributed to either driver.