PORTLAND, OR. (THECOUNT) — Jean Gerich, of Portland, Oregon, has been identified as the fatality in a Monday hit-and-run involving 10 different victims in southeast Portland.
Gerich, 77, was struck and killed Monday by a suspect who who was apprehended and remained in the hospital Tuesday. Police say the suspect’s actions showed intent to hit and injure people.
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The Oregon State Medical Examiner determined Gerich died of blunt force trauma and ruled her death a homicide.
Investigators said the crime scene covered the area between Southeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard and Southeast 15th Avenue, from East Burnside Street to Southeast Belmont Street.
Gerich’s family was notified and released photos of her Tuesday, along with a statement.
“Jean Gerich was not a nameless victim. She was a loving mother of two. She was a proud grandmother of five, ages 4 to 16. She would have turned 78 in twelve days. She beat cancer five years ago. She received her first vaccination shot last week and was overjoyed to get out in the world again. She has lived in the city of Portland since 1972 and for those 48 years she has loved her community of friends, Forest Park, and the proximity to nature,” according to Gerich’s family.
Police provided an update on the victims in this case. Two were bicyclists and seven others were pedestrians. One victim, due to head trauma, could not recall if they were in or out of their vehicle when they were hit by the suspect, according to Fox12.
DEVELOPING::
Geo quick facts: Portland, Oregon’s largest city, sits on the Columbia and Willamette rivers, in the shadow of snow-capped Mount Hood. It’s known for its parks, bridges and bicycle paths, as well as for its eco-friendliness and its microbreweries and coffeehouses. Iconic Washington Park encompasses sites from the formal Japanese Garden to Oregon Zoo and its railway. The city hosts thriving art, theater and music scenes – wikipedia.