UPDATE: Driver Killed in Crash Identified

Portland police have identified the driver who died after a crash in Northeast Portland on January 5, 2026, as Jerry D. Brown, 40, of Portland. Police said his family has been notified. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

According to the Portland Police Bureau, the incident began late on January 5 when officers from the Port of Portland tried to stop a vehicle near Northeast Prescott Street and Northeast 116th Avenue at about 11:21 p.m. Police said the driver left the area at high speed, and officers did not pursue. They continued tracking the vehicle’s direction over the radio. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

Police said the vehicle was later seen traveling east on Northeast Fremont Street with its lights off. A report soon followed of a burning vehicle near Northeast 124th Avenue and Northeast Fremont Street. Responding officers found that the burning vehicle was the same one that had eluded police. Investigators said it struck a parked car before catching fire. Brown was found ejected from the vehicle, and officers tried life-saving measures before he was pronounced dead at the scene. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

The Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crash Team is investigating. Northeast Fremont Street was closed between Northeast 122nd Avenue and Northeast 125th Avenue during the investigation. Police said no further information will be released at this time. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))

For families affected by a fatal crash, records from police, emergency responders, and the medical examiner can matter early in the process. In Oregon, a wrongful death claim may depend on who has legal standing, what insurance coverage exists, and what evidence is preserved after the crash. An attorney can help identify the documents that usually matter first.

Sources

1. UPDATE: Driver Killed in Crash Identified (opens in a new tab) - Portland Police Bureau, 2026-02-09