In Loving Memory of Luke Richard Brittan
The community of Polk County is mourning the tragic loss of 68-year-old Luke Richard Brittan of Independence, Oregon, whose life was cut short in a devastating crash involving a Salem-Keizer school bus on Monday morning. The collision occurred at the intersection of Highway 22 and Highway 51 and has left family, friends, and neighbors grappling with profound grief.
According to the Oregon State Police, troopers responded to the two-vehicle collision on February 23, 2026, at approximately 9:51 a.m. A preliminary investigation revealed that a westbound Salem-Keizer Thomas school bus, operated by 33-year-old Chandra Jean Milkovich-Howard of Turner, attempted to make a left turn onto southbound Highway 51. During the turn, the bus entered the path of an eastbound Honda Pilot driven by Luke Brittan, resulting in a head-on collision. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but tragically, Luke was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A Life of Dedication and Connection
Luke Richard Brittan was a cherished member of the Independence community. At 68, he had lived a life full of experiences, relationships, and contributions that extended far beyond the moments of this tragic accident. Family, friends, and neighbors remember him as a kind and dependable individual — someone who brought warmth and steadiness into the lives of those around him.
He was more than a driver on Highway 22 that morning. He was a father, a friend, a mentor, and a neighbor whose presence mattered deeply. Those who knew Luke speak of his thoughtful nature, his generosity, and the quiet ways in which he impacted the people around him. His loss leaves a void that cannot be replaced, a silence in the everyday rhythms of his community that will be felt for years to come.
A Community in Mourning
Crashes involving school buses are rare but particularly jarring because they involve public safety and children’s welfare. Though no students were reportedly harmed in this incident, the emotional impact on all involved — including bus driver Chandra Milkovich-Howard — and the broader community has been profound. Residents of Polk County are grappling with both shock and sorrow, reflecting on the fragility of life and the suddenness with which tragedy can strike.
Highways that once served as familiar routes for commuters are now the backdrop for mourning, and neighbors have expressed condolences and support for Luke’s family. Vigils, shared memories, and public statements of sympathy are helping to honor his life while providing comfort during this painful time.
Remembering Luke Brittan
In remembering Luke Richard Brittan, the focus remains on celebrating the life he lived, the love he shared, and the legacy of kindness he leaves behind. He will be remembered for his compassion, his steady presence in the community, and the countless ways he made a difference in the lives of those who knew him.
To his family and loved ones, the community extends its deepest sympathies. While the pain of this loss is immeasurable, the outpouring of support from neighbors and friends serves as a reminder that Luke’s life was valued, cherished, and impactful.
Though his life was tragically cut short, Luke’s memory will endure in the hearts of all who loved him. May he rest in peace, and may his family find strength and comfort in the enduring legacy of his life.








