Pedestrian struck on Highway 395 Friday
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – Details are now being released regarding a pedestrian who was struck on Highway 395 near Hermiston. The incident occurred Friday night. Umatilla County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a trespasser at D & R Towing near Joy Lane. At the scene, the man was identified as Jerry Ortega, 40, of Hermiston.
It was reported that Ortega left the area on foot pushing a bicycle while walking southbound along the shoulder of North Highway 395. UCSO reports Ortega was wearing dark clothing and was in an area of the highway that was not well lit.
“While deputies were speaking to the reporter, they heard a loud screeching of tires, followed by a loud ‘boom,’ UCSO reported. “They turned around and witnessed Ortega being thrown into the air, landing in the middle of the roadway. They realized he had just been struck by a blue minivan. The deputies quickly responded to provide aid and, while attempting to reach Ortega on foot, they heard another screeching of tires and observed a red passenger car rear-end the blue minivan.”
Deputies performed life-saving measures on Ortega. A Hermiston police officer also responded and assisted. Oregon State Police closed down the highway until the Oregon Department of Transportation arrived. Medics also answered the call and transported Ortega to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Hermiston.
The investigation determined that Ortega walked directly into the path of oncoming traffic in an unlit area of the highway where the speed limit is 45 miles per hour. The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office reports that no citations were issued.
