Update: Fatal Crash in Northwest Portland Most Likely Due to Medical Issue

Portland Police Badge

January 21, 2021 08:57

On Wednesday, January 20, 2021, at approximately 4:48 p.m., Central Precinct officers responded to the scene of a crash on Northwest Nicolai Street, between Northwest 25th Place and Northwest 26th Avenue. The collision involved a single vehicle into the side of a building, directly perpendicular to the roadway. There were no other vehicles, witnesses, or passengers involved in the crash. The sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene. Because of the fatality, members of Portland Police Bureau's Major Crash Team responded to the scene.

The vehicle was only minimally damaged on the front end, but the airbags were deployed. The building wall was minimally damaged as well. There were no skid marks or other indicators or direction of travel or speed. It did not appear there was any other cause of death other than the driver's medical history.

The investigation is still ongoing at this time. If anyone has information about this crash, please contact Officer Bill Balzer at Bill.Balzer@portlandoregon.gov. This is the 6th Major Crash Team activation of 2021.

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The Major Crash Team (MCT) is responding to the area of Northwest Nicolai Street and Northwest 25th Avenue to assist in a traffic crash investigation involving a fatality. Northwest Nicolai Street is blocked from Northwest 25th Place to Northwest 26th Avenue.

No additional information is available at this time. The PIO is not responding to the scene.

An updated news release or social media post will be pushed out as investigators learn more.

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