HILLSBORO, Ore. — A tragic multi-vehicle collision on westbound Highway 26 claimed the life of a 20-year-old Forest Grove man Monday evening, according to the Hillsboro Police Department (HPD). The victim has been identified as Carlos Andres Marquez-Vargas, who died at the scene despite emergency responders’ efforts to save him.
Officers were called to the crash site between SE Cornelius Pass Road and NW 185th Avenue shortly after the collision was reported. Upon arrival, they found Marquez-Vargas lying in the roadway with severe injuries. Paramedics attempted lifesaving measures, but the young motorcyclist was pronounced dead a short time later. The incident caused an immediate traffic shutdown on one of the busiest stretches of Highway 26 during the evening commute.
According to preliminary findings, Marquez-Vargas was traveling westbound when his motorcycle rear-ended another vehicle, causing him to lose control and become separated from the bike. Police said he was then struck by two additional vehicles, resulting in fatal injuries. Investigators believe speed was a contributing factor in the crash but emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
All drivers involved in the incident remained at the scene and are fully cooperating with authorities. No citations or arrests have been made at this time, pending the outcome of the investigation. Police are currently reviewing witness statements and physical evidence to determine the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
The Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team (CART) was called in to assist with the investigation. CART consists of specially trained officers from multiple agencies—including the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, and Tualatin Police Departments—with additional support from the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. The westbound lanes of Highway 26 were closed for roughly six hours overnight while investigators documented the scene and removed the vehicles involved.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident to contact Officer Jim Ruiz or Sergeant Paul Hess with HPD at 503-681-6175, referencing case number 25-20832. The Hillsboro Police Department extended condolences to the family and friends of Carlos Andres Marquez-Vargas, describing the collision as a devastating reminder of the importance of driving safely and obeying speed limits.