North Columbia Boulevard turned into a fatal investigation scene early Thursday after a pedestrian was hit by vehicles, shutting down a stretch of the road near North Clarendon Avenue and leaving one person dead while Portland police worked the crash.
On Monday, the Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crash Team identified the victim as Leavern William Robinson, 44, of Portland, and said he died on March 12 after the collision. Initial reports indicate Robinson was struck by two vehicles at about 4:20 a.m., and officers closed the area to investigate, according to KATU.
Safety concerns in District 2
Neighbors told reporters the deadly crash highlights long-standing concerns over visibility and speed at the Clarendon intersection and across North Portland. District 2 Councilor Sameer Kanal, who will serve on the city’s new Public Works committee, argued that targeted investment can drive traffic deaths down: “From 2023 to 2024, we invested in District 3. We brought down traffic deaths there by over half,” Kanal said, as reported by KATU.
City data backs concern
City data supports those worries. The Portland 2025 Deadly Traffic Crash Report shows that roughly 44% of the city’s fatal crashes occur in District 2, a disproportion that helps guide where the bureau focuses its Vision Zero work, according to Portland’s Deadly Crash Report.
Investigation and road closure
Police say both drivers remained at the scene and cooperated with the Major Crash Team as investigators processed evidence. North Columbia Boulevard was closed during the response and reopened later that morning. Authorities are asking anyone with information to email [email protected] and reference case number 26-71095, per KPTV…