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Family endures after crash leaves father and grandfather dead in Clackamas County

Community members have been raising support for the family's surviving teenagers, now under the care of their grandmother.

BORING, Oregon — Family members of a father and son killed in a crash in Clackamas County are grateful for the community's help.

"Everyone knew them, or knew someone who knew them," said Jayden Brenner, of her father, 41-year-old Jonathan Brenner, and grandfather, 81-year-old Larry Brenner. "They were very close. We all lived together."

On Saturday, around 9 p.m., Clackamas County Sheriff's deputies responded to a crash near Southeast Lusted Road and Southeast Dodge Park Boulevard in Boring. There they found Jonathan and Larry Brenner, dead. They'd been hit and killed by a car while walking home from a neighbor's house.

Deputies said the driver stopped at the scene. So far, no charges have been filed and the case remains under investigation.

Jonathan worked as a groundskeeper at Mt. Hood Community College and loved the outdoors. Jayden recalled he would often rescue baby ducks from the spillway of a pond on campus. Larry was a retired mechanic who served in the U.S. Navy. He loved the outdoors, hiking, and was fond of gardening and the chickens he kept. 

Jayden, 18, said she and her 16-year-old brother lost their mom four years ago. Now, just their grandmother is left to care and provide for them.

"It's definitely a lot, thinking about how much we we've lost in just such a few short years," said Jayden.

A family friend started a GoFundMe to help with expenses.

"It has been so helpful already," said Jayden. "Right now what we need is just to be in people's thoughts."

Jayden also hopes people will think about how they drive and remember that people's lives are at stake.

"I hope this brings some awareness of how dangerous these roads are," said Jayden. "The speed limit on a lot of these back roads is 45, and most people we see are going 60 and 70."

As deputies continue to investigate the crash, Jayden tries to stay strong for her family. It looks different now, but the memories of her father and grandfather remain.

"(My dad) always made sure to support me and my brother in our interests and put in so much effort," said Jayden. "It's great to be able to share more about them and who they were, at least to us."

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's tip line by calling 503-723-4949 or by filling out an online form. Please reference case no. 24-016601.

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