Richard Wayne Braxling Obituary, Death – Authorities have released details about a roadway incident in Marion County that occurred earlier this week and involved a longtime Redmond resident. According to information shared Friday by the Oregon State Police (OSP), an 85-year-old man lost his life following a single-vehicle crash late Tuesday night on Oregon Highway 22 near Idanha.
The individual has been identified as Richard Wayne Braxling of Redmond. Officials say the event took place at approximately 11 p.m., when troopers were dispatched to the scene in response to reports of a pickup truck that had gone off the roadway.
Preliminary findings from investigators indicate that Braxling was traveling westbound in a silver Chevrolet Silverado when, for reasons not yet determined, the vehicle left the highway. Authorities say the truck rolled after leaving the road, ultimately coming to a stop nearby.
Braxling, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, did not survive the crash. Emergency responders arrived swiftly after receiving the call, but officials confirmed that he passed away at the scene.
The investigation into what may have caused the truck to veer off the highway is ongoing. Investigators are working to review roadway conditions, potential contributing factors, and whether there were any medical or environmental circumstances that may have played a role. At this point, OSP has not announced any clear cause behind the incident.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, authorities noted that Highway 22 remained open during the on-scene investigation. Traffic was not diverted, and troopers were able to conduct their review without creating major travel disruptions for other motorists in the area.
The response effort involved multiple local and state agencies working together. The Idanha-Detroit Fire District, Lyons Ambulance, the Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation all assisted Oregon State Police at the site. Their coordinated support helped ensure the roadway remained safe while troopers carried out their examination of the crash.
Community members in both Marion County and Redmond have expressed sadness at the news, as Braxling was a longtime resident of the region. Incidents of this kind, especially those involving older drivers, often spark renewed conversations about roadway safety and the importance of vigilance when behind the wheel.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that no matter a driver’s age or experience level, roadway conditions can change unexpectedly, and safe driving habits remain essential at all times. They also noted that rural highways such as Highway 22 can present particular challenges, including sharp curves, reduced lighting at night, and the potential for wildlife crossing the roadway.
At this stage, the Oregon State Police are continuing to gather information, and their final report may provide additional clarity on what happened in the moments leading up to the crash. Officials encourage anyone who may have been traveling in the area around the time of the incident and noticed anything unusual to reach out, as outside observations can sometimes help fill in important details.
For now, no further details have been released, but OSP said updates will be provided if new information becomes available. In the meantime, the case remains under review as troopers finalize their investigation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of driving and the need for caution on Oregon highways. Law enforcement and emergency responders continue their work to ensure safe travel conditions for the public while also supporting the community during this difficult time.
