Crash on Highway 99W Leaves Portland Woman Dead

The Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team responded to the scene to investigate the crash. South bound Hwy. 99W was closed for several hours during the investigation.

Photo: Washington County Sheriff's Office

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Officials in Washington County say a woman died Wednesday when she pulled into the path of oncoming traffic on southbound Highway 99W. The driver of the vehicle that struck her suffered minor injuries.

No charges are expected to be filed, according to Sgt. Dave Thompson with the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

He says deputies were called to the scene Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. where they found the serious vehicle crash on Highway 99W and SW Bell Road. Two vehicles were involved in the crash.

Thompson says deputies investigating the crash determined that 23-year old Grace C. Throckmorton of Portland, had driven her 1999 four-door Honda Accord east on SW Bell Road and stopped at Highway 99W. She was trying to cross the highway to get to the northbound lanes.

"Ms. Throckmorton pulled into the path of an oncoming 1999 Jeep Cherokee driven by 27-year-old Michael D. Backman from Dayton. Mr. Backman didn't have time to brake and he hit Ms. Throckmorton directly in the driver side door," Thompson said.

"After they collided the vehicles both spun and came to rest on the guardrail closest to the center median. Ms. Throckmorton was wearing her seatbelt when she was struck. There were no passengers in either vehicle and alcohol does not appear to be a factor in this crash."

He says Backman was transported to Newberg Hospital with minor injuries. Ms. Throckmorton was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Washington County Crash Analysis Reconstruction Team responded to the scene to investigate the crash. South bound Hwy. 99W was closed for several hours during the investigation.

The Oregon State Police assisted Sheriff's Deputies with the crash.

Ms. Throckmorton's next of kin have been notified. No charges or citations are expected to be issued in this case.