DaRon V. Craig Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identity of the man killed in a pedestrian accident in Northeast Portland on Thursday. The victim has been identified as 49-year-old DaRon V. Craig.
The incident occurred around 11:45 a.m. in the 5900 block of NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, near NE Jarrett Street. According to investigators, the driver of a silver Ford Escape was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed when the vehicle veered onto the east sidewalk. The SUV struck Craig and another pedestrian before colliding with another vehicle.
Emergency responders pronounced Craig dead at the scene. The second pedestrian sustained critical injuries and was transported to a hospital for urgent treatment. On Friday, police reported that this individual’s condition had stabilized, though the injuries remain “extremely serious.”
The driver of the Ford Escape and the driver of the other vehicle involved were also hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identity of the Escape’s driver.
Investigators stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest that the crash was intentional. However, they noted that the driver has two prosthetic legs. At this time, it is unclear whether this fact contributed to the collision. Initially, police reported that the SUV had been “specially modified” for a handicapped driver. In a later update, they clarified that the vehicle was not specially adapted beyond a platform mounted to its trailer hitch.
Law enforcement has not made any arrests or issued citations in connection with the crash. The case remains under active investigation, with authorities working to determine the exact cause of the incident.
The Portland Police Bureau is urging anyone with information to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with relevant details are encouraged to email crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov, referencing case number 25-212760.
This tragic event has drawn attention to pedestrian safety concerns in the Northeast Portland area, particularly along busy corridors like NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The fatal collision is part of a troubling trend of pedestrian deaths in the city, prompting continued calls for speed control and safer street designs.
While the investigation continues, officials have not ruled out possible contributing factors such as driver health, distraction, or mechanical issues. The presence of prosthetic limbs may lead to further examination of how the driver was operating the vehicle at the time.
Authorities continue to monitor the recovery of the second pedestrian and are gathering witness accounts, surveillance footage, and physical evidence from the crash site. Community members in the area have expressed shock and sadness at the loss of life, with many calling for renewed efforts to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As of now, Craig’s death marks another painful reminder of the dangers pedestrians face, especially in areas with high traffic speeds and limited protective infrastructure. Police say further updates will be released as the investigation develops.
