Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck On Freeway

Portland police say a pedestrian died after being struck on northbound I-5 near the exit to eastbound I-84 just north of the Southeast Water Avenue exit on the morning of February 2, 2026. Officers responded at 4:09 a.m., and paramedics took the person to a hospital, where the person later died. According to the Portland Police Bureau, the driver stayed at the scene. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

On February 5, police identified the pedestrian as 45-year-old Michael Scott American Horse and said his family had been notified. Investigators also said they did not detect any sign of impairment or criminal conduct by the driver involved in the crash. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

The bureau’s Major Crash Team investigated the collision, and eastbound I-84 was closed from northbound I-5 during the response. Police said eastbound I-84 remained accessible from southbound I-5. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

For families, a fatal pedestrian crash can leave urgent questions about records, insurance, and next steps. A case like this may also overlap with a Wrongful Death (opens in a new tab) claim, depending on the facts and who may have legal standing to act. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

Sources

1. Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck On Freeway (opens in a new tab) - Portland Police Bureau, 2026-02-02