Bicyclist Identified in Thursday Morning Crash on Highway 30 in St. Helens

Vehicle crash on road with bicycle and emergency service lights in background

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 30, 2018

St. Helens, Ore. – On Thursday, August 30, 2018, at 5:40 a.m., St. Helens officers responded to a report of a crash involving a vehicle and bicyclist on Highway 30 near the McBride Street intersection.

Officers and emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene to find a crash involving a 67-year-old male bicyclist and a red Mitsubishi Mirage. The bicyclist was identified as Francis Joseph Alvarado. Alvarado was transported to a Portland-area hospital and is currently in critical condition in ICU.

Initial information provided to investigators at the scene suggests that this was an incident of distracted driving. At this time, cell phone use has been ruled out as a contributing factor in the crash. 

The driver is cooperating with the investigation, which is still ongoing. No charges have been filed at this time.

Eastbound lanes of Highway 30 were closed for several hours while Oregon State Police conducted a crash reconstruction. Oregon Department of Transportation assisted with traffic control while the highway remained partially closed.

Drivers are reminded that distracted driving can lead to serious or deadly consequences in a matter of seconds. Never drive distracted. Anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road should be put away. This includes use of cell phones, eating or drinking, using other electronic devices, applying makeup, etc.

Bicycle lights were in use at the time of the crash. Bicyclists are reminded of the importance of using bicycle lights, reflective lights, wearing high-visibility and contrasting clothing, and always wearing a helmet.

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For further information regarding this investigation, please contact St. Helens Sgt. José Castilleja at 503-397-1521 or 503-397-3333. He can also be reached by email at josec@ci.st-helens.or.us.