Clackamas County, OR (January 12, 2026) – A tragic crash on Highway 26 claimed the life of a 55-year-old Prineville man on Thursday afternoon, according to the Oregon State Police. The fatal collision occurred near milepost 35 at approximately 1:00 p.m. on January 8.
Investigators say the incident began when two westbound vehicles—a Ford F-250 and a Ford Escape—approached a passing zone. As the driver of the Escape, a 29-year-old man from Vancouver, WA, attempted to pass in the designated lane, the F-250 driven by Gary James Beebe also moved into the passing lane, sideswiping the Escape.
The impact caused Beebe to lose control of the F-250, which broke through a guardrail and plunged down an embankment, crashing into a stand of trees. Emergency responders arrived on scene to find the F-250 overturned at the base of the slope. Beebe was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Ford Escape came to a controlled stop following the collision. The driver and his 27-year-old passenger were unharmed and remained at the location to cooperate with authorities.
Troopers with the Oregon State Police began a detailed investigation into the circumstances of the crash, working alongside local first responders and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. Westbound traffic in the area was affected for several hours as crews managed the scene and recovered the wrecked vehicle from the embankment.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Gary James Beebe during this difficult time.
