Vale Woman Killed, Four Injured in Highway 26 Crash in Malheur County

MALHEUR COUNTY, Ore. — A 41-year-old Vale woman was killed and four others, including three juveniles, were seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 26 in Malheur County on Monday afternoon, October 19, 2026.

Oregon State Police responded to the crash near milepost 244 at approximately 2:09 p.m.

The preliminary investigation found that a green Hyundai Santa Fe driven by Autumn Jean Hansen, 41, of Vale, was traveling eastbound on Highway 26 when it turned into the path of a westbound white Ford Expedition driven by Douglas Alan Sharp, 62, of John Day.

Hansen was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Sharp sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.

Three juveniles who were passengers in the Hyundai also suffered serious injuries and were flown to a regional hospital for treatment.

According to witness reports, the Hyundai may have been attempting a U-turn in front of the Ford. Witnesses also reported seeing the vehicle make a U-turn before the collision.

The highway was affected for approximately four hours while emergency responders assisted the injured and Oregon State Police investigated the crash.

Assisting agencies included Vale Fire & Ambulance, Treasure Valley Paramedics, the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation.