The Portland cycling community is mourning the loss of one of its members following a fatal collision last month. The incident occurred in the Hazelwood Neighborhood, where 55-year-old cyclist Felipe Barajas-Nolazco was struck by a vehicle and killed. The Portland Police Bureau identified Barajas-Nolazco in an update on the case released December 4th.
According to the police report, Barajas-Nolazco was traveling westbound in the bike lane on October 29 when the tragic crash took place. The driver, also heading westbound, struck the bicyclist, leading to fatal injuries. Investigators have since concluded that the driver's actions did not contribute to the collision. As a result, the driver is not expected to face any citations in connection to the incident, a detail that has, understandably, caused mixed reactions among residents and cycling advocates.
The initial response to the crash saw Portland Fire & Rescue and police officers from East Precinct swiftly arriving at the scene in the 11200 block of Northeast Glisan Street. Despite the prompt arrival of medical personnel, who provided emergency care at approximately 6:25 p.m., Barajas-Nolazco succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
In the wake of these events, the Major Crash Team from the Traffic Division of Portland Police took on the investigation, temporarily closing Northeast Glisan Street to conduct their inquiry. Meanwhile, the driver involved in the incident remained at the scene, fully cooperating with law enforcement. The police have called for witnesses or those with knowledge of the crash to come forward, providing the email address [email protected] with reference to case number 25-297278, to assist in the ongoing investigation.
As the investigation continues, further details may emerge, offering some clarification to the community puzzling over the factors that led to such a regrettable outcome, as noted in the Portland Police Bureau's report.
