Update: Deceased Identified From Fatal Crash on I-5

Portland Police Badge

September 22, 2020 15:23

On September 22, 2020 at 3:45a.m., Central Precinct officers responded to several reports of a wrong-way driver on northbound I-5 and subsequent crash just north of Highway 99W.

Upon arrival, Central Precinct officers found both involved vehicles had only the drivers as occupants. Life saving measures were attempted on one of the drivers without success. The adult male driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. The other adult male driver was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

As a result of the crash, a very slight secondary collision happened with another vehicle who pulled off the freeway at the next exit. That driver was uninjured and sustained only minor damage to their vehicle.

The driver who died has been identified as 45 year-old Damian Asher Alexander of Vancouver. Mr. Alexander's family has been notified. The initial investigation shows that Mr. Alexander was the wrong-way driver.

Anyone with information about or who witnessed the crash is asked to please contact Officer Chris Johnson at 503-823-2213 or at Chris.Johnson@portlandoregon.gov.

This is the 33rd Major Crash Team activation and the 36th fatality investigated by the Traffic Division this year.

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###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

A fatal crash on northbound I-5 in Southwest Portland is under investigation. On Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 3:45a.m., Central Precinct officers responded to several reports of a wrong-way driver on northbound I-5. As they were responding, a crash was reported just north of the Highway 99W interchange. Officers and paramedics responded and discovered three vehicles were involved in the crash, at least two impacting head-on. Lifesaving measures were attempted, but one of the drivers was deceased. The driver of another car was transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The driver of a third car was unhurt.

The Portland Police Traffic Division Major Crash Team is responding to investigate. To preserve the scene, three northbound lanes are closed. Traffic is able to slowly proceed by in the far right lane, but delays are expected as the investigation could last several hours.

The PIO is not responding to the scene. More information will be released when appropriate.

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