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Update: Scooter Rider Killed in Fatal Crash Involving Train is identified

Press Release
The scooter rider killed in the November 7, 2025, crash with a train in the Hosford-Abernethy Neighborhood has been identified.
Published
Updated

The scooter rider has been identified as Thomas W. Houff, 58, of Portland. His family has been notified of his death.

###PPB###

***Original Message Below***

Traffic #ALERT: Fatal Crash Investigation Involving Train and Scooter in the Hosford-Abernethy Neighborhood

On Friday, November 7, 2025 at 10:08 a.m., a Portland Police officers assigned to Central Precinct responded to a report of a train-involved crash at Southeast 11th Avenue and Southeast Clinton Street. When they arrived, they found the rider of a rented scooter deceased at the scene. The involved Amtrak passenger train stopped.

The Portland Police Traffic Division Major Crash Team is responding to the scene to investigate the crash. During the investigation, Southeast 11th Avenue is closed between Southeast Division Street and Southeast Clinton Street.

If anyone has information about this crash and has not already spoken to police, please e-mail crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov attn: TIU and reference case number 25-305768.

The PIO is not responding to the scene. More information will be released when appropriate.

This is the 36th traffic related fatality of 2025 in Portland. It's the fourth involving an e-scooter and the first involving the heavy rail system.

The number of crashes counted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is different than the PPB number. NHTSA's count excludes crashes involving suicide, private property, non-public roadways, non-motor vehicles, medical events, and deaths that happen more than 30 days after a crash. Our partners at the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) report on NHTSA numbers, consistent with their mission. PPB's figures also capture incidents that do not fall under NHTSA reporting guidelines, but nevertheless involve an investigation by the Traffic Investigations Unit (TIU), part of the PPB Traffic Division. Homicides involving vehicles are not counted, however, as they are accounted for in the homicide statistics.

###PPB###

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ppbpio@police.portlandoregon.govThis email goes to the current PIO on duty. Expect replies during day shift hours only.

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