Tragic Collision Claims Cyclist's Life in Portland's Centennial Neighborhood

Portland, Oregon | July 14, 2025

Cyclist Succumbs to Injuries After DUI Crash in Southeast Portland

An 85-year-old cyclist, Raymond L. Myers of Portland, has died after being struck by a suspected intoxicated driver in the city’s Centennial neighborhood on Sunday evening. The driver, Hiep P. Tran, 54, also of Portland, has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal incident.

According to the Portland Police Bureau, officers from the East Precinct responded to the crash around 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, near the intersection of Southeast 145th Avenue and Southeast Powell Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers found Myers with serious injuries and promptly transported him to a local hospital, where he was initially expected to survive.

The driver, Tran, remained at the scene. Police officers observed signs of intoxication and arrested him on charges of Assault in the Third Degree and Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII). He was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center.

The following morning, July 14, police were notified that Myers had passed away from his injuries. As a result of this development, Tran now faces an upgraded charge of Negligent Homicide. Portland Police’s Major Crash Team continues to investigate the incident and has asked any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police to contact them.

Legal Implications Under Oregon Law

This devastating incident raises several important legal issues under Oregon personal injury and wrongful death laws. If proven that Tran was driving under the influence at the time of the crash, this could serve as the basis for both criminal charges and civil claims.

Under Oregon law, when a death is caused by the wrongful or negligent actions of another, surviving family members may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims provide families a path to seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. In cases involving impaired driving, such as this one, punitive damages may also be sought in civil court to punish and deter similar behavior in the future.

Additionally, since the case involves allegations of driving under the influence, there may be legal implications under Oregon’s drunk driver accident injury statutes. Oregon takes DUI-related injuries and deaths seriously, with enhanced penalties and potential third-party liability for establishments that may have overserved a visibly intoxicated individual—known as Dram Shop liability.

Finally, because the incident involved a cyclist hit by a motor vehicle, Oregon’s bicycle accident injury laws may apply. These laws are designed to protect vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians, who are at significantly higher risk of serious injury or death in motor vehicle collisions.

Public Safety and Road Awareness

This accident is a painful reminder of the ongoing need for greater awareness around the safety of cyclists on urban roads. Older cyclists, like Myers, are especially vulnerable in high-traffic areas and at intersections. Drivers must remain vigilant, sober, and respectful of all road users, particularly those who rely on non-motorized transportation.

Local authorities and advocacy groups continue to emphasize the importance of infrastructure improvements, such as protected bike lanes and clearer intersection markings, to reduce the risk of such fatal encounters. But the most critical safety factor remains driver behavior—especially the decision to not drive while impaired.

Seeking Justice and Support

For families like that of Raymond L. Myers, the aftermath of a fatal crash can be emotionally overwhelming and legally complex. Navigating insurance claims, police reports, and court proceedings requires not just emotional resilience, but experienced legal guidance.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bicycle accident, or by a suspected drunk driver, Pacific Injury Law Firm is here to help. Our attorneys have extensive experience with Oregon wrongful death, DUI-related injury, and bicycle accident cases, and we offer free consultations to help you understand your rights. Contact us today at Pacific Injury Law Firm or call 971-277-3811.

Sources:

• Portland Police Bureau (opens in a new tab)