Just in from the Portland Police Bureau:
A cyclist has been hit and killed on North Portland Road.
On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at approximately 5:57 a.m., officers responded to reports of a crash on North Portland Road involving a cyclist and vehicle. When officers arrived, they found the cyclist and determined the individual was deceased. The cyclist appeared to be an adult male.
The driver of the involved vehicle, also an adult male, remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.
The Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crash Team responded to investigate the crash. North Portland Road is closed between North Marine Drive and North Columbia Boulevard.
This is the first fatal bicycle crash in Portland so far this year. More updates below…
The victim’s name is Jason Ruhmshottel, a 43-year-old man who was born and raised in Portland. According to one of his family members who has knowledge of the case, Ruhmshottel was struck while riding in the crosswalk that connects two paved trails about a half-mile south of N Suttle Road. Police say the driver was operating a Mazda CX-7 and so far, no arrests have been made and no citations have been issues (as is usual when a crash is still under investigation).
According to someone who knew Jason, he loved his family and his dog Eddie. He also loved coffee, camping, cycling and spending time outdoors. I’m told he leaves behind many nieces and nephews, who were a huge part of his life.
This crosswalk is well-known to many Portland bike riders. It connects a northern extension of the Columbia Slough/Peninsula Crossing trails with the paved path that heads east-west to Smith & Bybee Wetlands and Kelley Point Park. It’s a popular section of the 40-Mile Loop network.
If anyone has information about this crash, and has not already spoken to police, please e-mail crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov with subject line “TIU (for Traffic Investigations Unit) case number 23-246591”.