Portland police seek driver after deadly hit-and-run on Highway 26 near Oregon Zoo

Portland police are looking for the driver involved in a deadly hit-and-run crash early Tuesday on eastbound Highway 26 near the Oregon Zoo.

According to the Portland Police Bureau, Central Precinct officers were called to the Sylvan exit area at about 1:43 a.m. When they arrived, they found a pedestrian dead at the scene. Police said the driver had already left.

The victim has not been identified.

The Major Crash Team responded and eastbound traffic was shut down during the investigation, according to police. The Oregon Department of Transportation said the highway reopened around 7:45 a.m.

No arrests have been made. Police asked anyone with information about the crash who has not already spoken with investigators to email crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov (opens in a new tab) and reference case No. 26-218870.

Hit-and-run crashes often leave families with urgent questions about witness statements, video, insurance coverage, and how to document what happened before evidence disappears. In fatal cases, those issues may affect a possible wrongful death claim if the driver is later identified.