UPDATE: Vehicle and Bicycle Collide in East Columbia Neighborhood, Rider Deceased

December 05, 2020 09:34

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On December 4, 2020, at around 4:44 p.m., a North Precinct officer on patrol came upon a car versus bicycle crash on North Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard and North Union Court. The crash involved a vehicle striking a bicycle in the left of two northbound lanes of North Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard. Medical personnel was called to come to the location but determined immediately the bicyclist was deceased at the scene.

Based on both the driver's and witnesses' statements, the vehicle was travelling northbound on North Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard in the left of two lanes. The driver said they observed a bicyclist in the right shoulder bike lane ahead of them as they were traveling northbound. The driver noted the bicyclist was slightly weaving in their own bike lane. The driver said the bicyclist, without warning, abruptly maneuvered their bicycle left and into the two lanes of northbound travel. It appeared as though perhaps the bicyclist was maneuvering towards a ramp on the opposite side of the road in the southbound lanes which comes from the Delta Park area. As the bicyclist crossed into the left of two northbound lanes of travel, they were struck by the driver and came to rest in the roadway just in front of the vehicle.

Impairment and/or Distracted Driving on the part of the driver do not appear to be factors to this crash. The unanticipated lane intrusion appears to be the initiating factor for this crash.

The bicyclist who passed away in this crash has been identified as 64-year-old Gene Arthur Courtney. Mr. Courney's next of kin has been notified.

The investigation is still ongoing at this time. If anyone has information about this crash, please contact Officer David Enz at David.Enz@portlandoregon.gov

This is the 52nd fatality investigated by the Major Crash Team within the City of Portland for 2020.

###PPB###
###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

The Portland Police Major Crash Team (MCT) is investigating a fatal crash involving a car and a bicycle in the East Columbia Neighborhood.

On Friday, December 4, 2020 at 4:44p.m., a North Precinct officer on patrol came upon a car vs. bicycle crash on North Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard and North Union Court. The seriousness of the crash was clear and the officer immediately called for medical assistance and more officers.

Paramedics arrived and determined that the bicyclist was deceased. The MCT is responding and has started an investigation.

During the investigation, North Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard is closed both directions between North Gertz Road and North Union Court.

Responding media should approach northbound Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard from North Columbia Boulevard and check-in with the personnel blocking the road. A Traffic Division supervisor will be available for interviews.

###PPB###

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