PORTLAND, Oregon — A 19-year-old woman who died following an Aug. 13 shooting in Northwest Portland's Pearl District neighborhood was "a bright light to everyone," her father told KGW on Thursday.
The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) on Thursday identified the woman who died as Rylee Hatlen. On Thursday night, KGW spoke to her father, Ryan Hatlen.
"She definitely didn't deserve this," he said. "I heard there was a big gun battle. I heard there were 20 to 40 shots, and she was sitting in a car, not even having anything to do with it."
PPB said officers responded to a reported shooting in the area of Northwest Couch Street and Broadway at 2:01 a.m. on Aug. 13 and found Rylee, who had been shot. She was still breathing when they arrived, but despite life-saving efforts by officers and firefighters, she died at the scene.
The county medical examiner confirmed that Hatlen's death was a homicide, the result of a gunshot wound. No arrests have been made in the case at this time.
"She was absolutely amazing. She was a bright light to everyone. She had a smile that could light up the room," Ryan Hatlen said of his daughter. "I'm still in shock, I definitely go in waves. I think about the good things and the beautiful things and the way that she smiled rather than her final moments. I don't think anyone should die like that."
Loved ones set up a memorial this week with candles, pictures, and messages of love near the corner of Northwest Broadway and Davis Street.
"Life is short," Hatlen said. "Do not take it for granted. Love your kids, and call them everyday. Tell them that you love them. You might not get the chance tomorrow."
Rylee's stepmother started a GoFundMe to help with final expenses.
Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact Detective Brad Clifton at Brad.Clifton@police.portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0696, or Detective Rico Beniga at Rico.Beniga@police.portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-0457, and reference case number 23-212106.