Deputies Respond to Fatal Crash Involving a Child

It doesn't appear the car made any attempt to stop during this incident.

Photo of crash scene: Washington County Sheriff

(PORTLAND, OR) - Sheriff's Deputies respond to a crash where an 11-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle while she was in her front yard. The girl did not survive her injuries.

On April 4, 2013, at 5:03 p.m., Washington County deputy Sheriff's deputies were called to SW 160th Avenue and SW Farmington Road concerning a crash. This is in the community of Aloha, an area of the Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District (ESPD).

Deputies discovered there were two separate crash locations, involving the same driver of a 2007 Toyota Prius. The first victim, driving a 2010 Jeep Wrangler, was rendered inoperable when he was hit head on in his own lane of travel as he was driving northbound on SW 160th Avenue. The driver of the Jeep witnessed the driver of the Prius continue southbound, still in the northbound lane, as it continued across SW Farmington Rd. The Prius left the roadway shortly after crossing SW Farmington Road. The Prius crossed over a sidewalk, crashed through a barricade, eventually striking a house.

Sheriff's deputies found that Kylie Hornych, 11, was in the front yard of her house when the Prius left the roadway. The car struck her and came to a rest against her house. Kylie was transported to the hospital by ambulance but succumbed to her injuries prior to arriving to the hospital. Kylie was a 5th grade student at Chehalem Elementary School. Beaverton School District will have their Tragedy Response Team at the school Friday morning to help the students and staff members deal with this tragedy.

Witnesses told deputies that the Prius was traveling at a high rate of speed after striking the Wrangler and left a trail of broken car parts prior to striking Kylie. It doesn't appear the car made any attempt to stop during this incident. Deputies found the Prius was driven by David Herman, 59, from Hillsboro. There was no immediate sign of alcohol impairment with Mr. Herman. It is still under investigation as to what caused Mr. Herman to drive in such a reckless manner. He has been taken to the hospital for further tests.

The Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team assisted in the investigation. Southwest 160th Avenue was closed until about 10:30 p.m. to gather evidence and complete the investigation.

This investigation is ongoing and more information will be forthcoming at a later date.

News release from the Washington County Sheriff's Office