PORTLAND, Ore. — Amid a sustained rise in traffic deaths since 2020, Portland continues to see deadly and tragic car crashes. Two weeks ago, Kimberly Branson experienced this grief firsthand.
Branson received a call from a relative informing her that her daughter, 38-year-old Marquita R. Martin, had been struck and killed by a driver. The crash happened 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. Once I gathered what she was saying, she was saying, '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 continues.
“Surveillance footage has to be reviewed. Witnesses still need to be interviewed. A lot of people have come forward to talk about it,” authorities said.
Martin’s parents hope for answers and want the city to address the issue of traffic deaths 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 had the vigil for her on that Friday night before we left to come back home, the cars were going past there so fast ... and it’s dangerous, it’s very dangerous. That’s something that needs to be looked at before someone else loses their life,” said Branson.
Sterling Branson, Marquita’s father, added, “They took our heart. They took our soul ... and no matter what, nothing will bring her 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 towards her memorial service, and any remaining funds will be set aside for her son.
More Than A Number aims to help give a face and a voice to victims and families impacted by tragedies. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a homicide and would like to share your story, you can reach out to us by sending an email to morethananumber@kgw.com.