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A pedestrian was killed and several others injured in a devastating multi-vehicle crash on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Portland’s King Neighborhood. The driver involved, who later died from injuries, struck two pedestrians before colliding with multiple vehicles.
This update summarizes the reported event and explains the practical legal context Oregon readers may want to understand. It is general information, not case-specific legal advice.
Published August 12, 2025
Portland, Oregon | August 7, 2025
A devastating series of collisions in Portland’s King Neighborhood on Thursday, August 7, 2025, has left one pedestrian dead, another seriously injured, and multiple drivers hospitalized. The chain-reaction crash occurred shortly before noon along Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, prompting a full investigation by the Portland Police Traffic Investigations Unit.
According to preliminary details from the Portland Police Bureau, the incident began when the driver of a silver Ford Escape SUV, later identified as Curtis Leroy Palmer, was traveling northbound on NE MLK Jr. Blvd. Just north of NE Jessup Street, Palmer veered onto the east sidewalk, striking two adult male pedestrians. A preteen boy narrowly avoided being hit.
The vehicle then returned to the roadway, sideswiping a Hyundai SUV waiting at a left-turn signal at NE Ainsworth Street. Continuing out of control, Palmer’s SUV crossed the median and slammed into two oncoming southbound vehicles — a Buick sedan and a Toyota pickup truck — in a head-on collision before coming to rest.
DaRon V. Craig, 49, was identified as the pedestrian who died at the scene, just north of NE Jarrett Street. The second pedestrian sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where his condition has since stabilized. Palmer, the driver of the Ford Escape, was also hospitalized and later died from his injuries.
Authorities stated that Palmer had two prosthetic legs, though it remains unclear whether this factored into the crash. As of now, investigators do not believe the crash was intentional. No citations or arrests have been made, but the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office is assisting with the investigation. The Major Crash Team responded on-site, and NE MLK Blvd was closed for several hours between NE Jarrett and NE Holman Streets during the investigation.
Police have requested that anyone with information about the crash contact them at crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov (opens in a new tab), referencing case number 25-212760.
The death of DaRon V. Craig and the severe injuries sustained by the other pedestrian and drivers raise important legal questions under Oregon law. When a person dies due to another individual's possible negligence — even if unintentional — surviving family members may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims can include compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, and emotional suffering.
Injured survivors may similarly have recourse under personal injury law, particularly if the investigation determines that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care. Additionally, the involvement of pedestrians highlights potential claims for pedestrian accident injury, which can involve complex questions about driver responsibility and roadway safety.
This incident marks the 20th fatal traffic crash in Portland in 2025 and the eighth involving a pedestrian. It underscores the ongoing public safety concerns surrounding vulnerable road users in urban environments.
The Portland Police Bureau continues its investigation into the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of DaRon V. Craig and rallies for the recovery of those injured.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, car crash, or other serious collision, understanding your legal rights is vital. Contact Pacific Injury Law Firm for a free consultation, or call 971-277-3811 to speak with one of our experienced Oregon personal injury attorneys.
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