A tragic accident in Northeast Portland has taken the life of a 59-year-old man, Don Edney, who was trying to cross one of the city’s most dangerous streets in his wheelchair.
The incident, which happened in late October, has raised fresh concerns about pedestrian safety in areas known for frequent accidents.
The Accident Details
On October 29, around 8:00 p.m., Don Edney was attempting to cross Northeast 122nd Avenue, a busy road that has been part of Portland’s “high crash corridor” list for years.
While crossing, a car struck him, and he was immediately taken to the hospital. Despite emergency care, he died the following day, according to police reports.
Police said that the driver stayed at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. No arrests have been made so far, but the case is still under active investigation.
Pattern of Fatal Crashes That Night
The night of October 29 was particularly deadly for Portland. Within just two hours, three separate fatal crashes took place — all within two miles of each other.
Besides Don Edney, a bicyclist and another pedestrian also lost their lives after being hit by vehicles on nearby roads.
Authorities pointed out that these incidents happened on roads already labeled by the city as “high crash corridors”, meaning they have a record of frequent serious or deadly accidents. These areas are often targeted for safety upgrades, but crashes continue to occur.
The “High Crash Corridor” Problem
Portland’s high crash corridor program was created to improve road safety in areas with the highest number of collisions. Northeast 122nd Avenue, where this tragedy happened, has long been considered one of the most dangerous roads in the city.
City officials have already tried to introduce lower speed limits, better lighting, and crosswalk improvements, but these measures haven’t completely solved the problem.
Many residents continue to complain about fast-moving traffic and limited safe crossing points for pedestrians, especially for those using wheelchairs or mobility devices.
Key Details of the Incident
| Information Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim’s Name | Don Edney |
| Age | 59 years old |
| Date of Incident | October 29, 2025 |
| Location | Northeast 122nd Avenue, Portland |
| Time | Around 8:00 p.m. |
| Type of Incident | Pedestrian in wheelchair hit by vehicle |
| Driver’s Status | Stayed on scene, cooperating with police |
| Current Investigation Status | Ongoing |
City and Community Response
Community members are mourning the loss of Don Edney and calling for stronger safety actions. Activists argue that the city needs more pedestrian signals, speed cameras, and wider sidewalks in dangerous corridors like Northeast 122nd.
Some locals also shared that crossing the street in this area, even at marked crosswalks, feels unsafe because of poor visibility and speeding cars.
The city’s transportation department has acknowledged the issue and said it will continue to explore new ways to prevent such tragedies.
Police Investigation
According to Portland Police, the driver involved in the crash has not been charged, as investigators are still gathering evidence and reconstructing the scene. They are checking if weather, lighting, or driver distraction played a role in the incident.
Police are also urging drivers to stay alert, especially during night hours, and to watch for pedestrians and wheelchair users on city roads.
The death of Don Edney is a heartbreaking reminder of how dangerous Portland’s busy streets can be, especially for vulnerable road users like pedestrians, bicyclists, and people using wheelchairs.
As city officials and residents call for more safety improvements, this tragedy highlights the urgent need for better infrastructure, lower speeds, and stronger public awareness to prevent future loss of life.