The Oregon State Police are investigating the death of a Portland man who apparently jumped from an overpass on Interstate 84 in Morrow County early Thursday morning.
Just after 3 a.m., OSP troopers received a report of suspicious circumstances on I-84 eastbound near milepost 159 in Morrow County.
A preliminary investigation revealed a minor motor vehicle collision occurred on the exit 159 westbound off ramp between a gold Ford Ranger and white commercial motor vehicle. Upon the collision occurring, the operator of the Ford Ranger ran from the scene and the operator of the commercial motor vehicle called law enforcement, according to the OSP. Troopers at the scene learned the operator of the Ford Ranger ran towards the Tower Road overpass.
During a search of the area troopers located the operator of the Ford Ranger, a 28-year-old male from Portland, deceased on the shoulder of Interstate 84 approximately 130 feet east from the overpass. OSP said evidence at the scene indicates the male scaled the fence on the Tower Road overpass and jumped. The male was then struck by an unknown motor vehicle which did not stop. Investigating troopers believe the deceased male may have been struck by a dark metallic gray vehicle.
Anyone with information regarding this incident who has not already spoken to investigators is asked to call the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 541-276-2121 and reference Incident # SP17409491. Trooper Mitch Pace from the Pendleton Area Command is the lead investigator.
The Oregon State Police were assisted at the scene by the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, Boardman Fire, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
