Portland, OR – – A pedestrian was killed in a traffic crash on Sunday morning in Southeast Portland, bringing the total number of traffic-related fatalities in the city to 69 for the year. The incident occurred near Southeast Powell Boulevard and Southeast 82nd Avenue, an area known for heavy traffic and foot traffic.
At approximately 9:00 a.m. on December 15, Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers responded to reports of a collision involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival, officers found an 81-year-old woman, later identified as Muoi Te Hua of Portland, who had been struck by a vehicle. The victim was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, but despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries the following day.
The driver involved in the incident remained at the scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement. Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver was exiting a parking lot when the pedestrian was struck. There were no signs of impairment, and police have not indicated any evidence suggesting the crash was intentional or caused by reckless driving.
The Multnomah County Medical Examiner confirmed on December 16 that Te Hua’s death was the result of injuries sustained in the collision, marking the 69th traffic fatality in Portland for 2024. This number ties the city’s total traffic-related deaths from 2023, though there is still half a month left in the year. The figure may differ from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s official count, which excludes certain types of crashes, such as those involving only pedestrians or cyclists.
The rise in traffic fatalities in Portland has raised concerns among safety advocates, who continue to call for improved pedestrian infrastructure and stricter traffic enforcement. As the city grapples with an increase in road-related deaths, there have been renewed calls for measures to protect pedestrians, such as enhanced crosswalks, lower speed limits in high-traffic areas, and more robust public safety campaigns.
The circumstances surrounding this latest fatality serve as a reminder of the ongoing dangers pedestrians face on Portland’s streets, particularly in busy commercial districts like the one where Sunday’s crash occurred. Though the driver’s cooperation with investigators is encouraging, the incident underscores the need for continued attention to road safety for both pedestrians and drivers alike.
Portland officials have yet to comment on any upcoming initiatives to address the rising number of traffic fatalities, but with the year nearing its end, the city’s leaders may face increased pressure to take action.
