A routine drive home from work turned tragic Saturday evening when 21-year-old Portland State University student Diana Minko was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 217 in Beaverton. Family members say she was heading home from her job when another driver slammed into her car from behind. Relatives describe Minko as a kind young woman, a dedicated reader who had just started a new position.
Beaverton police told KPTV the collision happened just before 8 p.m., when a driver bent down to grab a dropped cell phone and rear-ended Minko’s vehicle. Her family told the station she was crushed between her car and the one in front of her, then rushed to the hospital on life support. According to police, no charges have been filed at this time, but the case has been sent to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office for review, KPTV reports.
Family Mourns And Fundraiser Rallies Support
"Please take a deep breath before you drive and just drive carefully," Minko’s mother, Jessica Altman-Pollack, told KPTV. A friend has organized an online fundraiser to help cover medical and funeral costs. The campaign notes that Minko was taken to OHSU’s trauma ICU, where her family ultimately made the decision to remove life support. The GoFundMe has drawn dozens of donations to help the Altman-Pollack family with immediate expenses.
Investigation Focuses On What Happened Seconds Before Impact
Beaverton police say investigators are working to piece together exactly how the crash unfolded. They are gathering witness statements, reviewing traffic-camera footage and looking for any available dashcam video to reconstruct the sequence of events. Once the investigation is complete, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office will decide whether criminal charges are appropriate. Officers are asking anyone who saw the crash or has video from the area to call the department’s non-emergency line.
Deadly Reminder That Distracted Driving Still Haunts Oregon Roads
State safety officials have been sounding the alarm about distracted driving for years. The Oregon Department of Transportation reports there were 26,264 crashes involving distracted drivers from 2017 to 2021, leading to 194 deaths. Portland’s Vision Zero program shows traffic deaths fell in 2025, according to Portland.gov, but city leaders say it will take better street design, consistent enforcement and everyday behavior changes to avoid preventable fatalities.
Safety advocates say Minko’s death is a heartbreaking example of how a split-second distraction can have permanent consequences. Friends remember her as a role model and say her loss should stay on every driver’s mind when they reach for a phone behind the wheel. Her family has asked for privacy as they make arrangements and has publicly thanked donors for their support. The GoFundMe remains open to help cover expenses. Beaverton police continue to investigate and are again urging anyone with information or footage from the crash to contact the department.
