Family mourns daughter killed in car crash in northeast Portland

PORTLAND, Oregon – Traffic fatalities have been steadily increasing since 2020, and fatal and tragic car crashes continue to occur in Portland. Two weeks ago, Kimberly Branson experienced this tragedy first hand.

Branson received a call from a relative telling her that her daughter, 38-year-old Marquita R. Martin, had been struck and killed by a driver. The accident occurred on Northeast Lombard Street, at the intersection with Holman Street.

“She was screaming into the phone and I was trying to understand what she was saying. When I realized what she was saying, she said, ‘She’s gone, she’s gone, mom,'” Branson said.

The driver involved was behind the wheel of a 2015 Nissan Altima. The driver initially stopped, then went to a nearby gas station to call police and waited for them to arrive. No arrests have been made as the investigation is ongoing.

“Surveillance footage still needs to be evaluated. Witnesses still need to be interviewed. Many people have come forward and spoken about it,” authorities said.

Martin’s parents are hoping for answers and want the city to take the problem of traffic fatalities more seriously. Portland police reported that Martin’s death was the 33rd traffic fatality in the city this year and the 12th involving a pedestrian.

“Even when we were holding the vigil for them that Friday night before we went home, the cars were driving by so fast… and that’s dangerous, that’s very dangerous. That’s something that needs to be seen before someone else loses their life,” Branson said.

Sterling Branson, Marquita’s father, added: “They took our hearts. They took our souls… and no matter what happens, nothing will bring them back. But I want justice for my daughter.”

Marquita leaves behind a 15-year-old son named Jamauri. Her parents have set up a GoFundMe page. All donations will go to her memorial and any remaining funds will be set aside for her son.

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