GRESHAM, Ore. — A family is mourning the loss of a man struck and killed by a MAX train early Thursday morning. David Olson, 28, of Portland, was a beloved son, brother and uncle, the family said.
“I just didn’t want to believe it when I first found out,” said John Howard, David’s brother-in-law. “It’s impossible to make sense of it, it’s impossible to find answers, it’s impossible to understand — and it may always be.”
According to the Gresham Police Department, the collision happened between Northwest Wallula Avenue and Northwest Bella Vista. It’s believed David was on the tracks when he was hit, in an area restricted to the public.
He is now the third person killed in the last three years, while on stretch of MAX train tracks between 197th and Civic Stations. Headphones were also found at the scene. Investigators are looking into whether they may have contributed to David’s death.
“He was Funcle Dave to the little ones,” said Howard. “And (he was) always happy to jump in and play and joke and have a great time. No matter what he was doing it was being with family that was most important to him."
Howard shares that David was kind, genuine and loving. But among all things, he loved his family and making the people around him smile.
“He was a comic. He always talked about wanting to be in comedy,” said Howard. “He and I were always trading ideas and parts for some stand-up comic routine he was putting together ... I think we, his family, were his favorite audience.”
The family said they aren’t prepared for funeral service expenses. They’ve started a GoFundMe to help offset the cost.
More than $6,000 has already been raised, with friends leaving words of support and remembrance.
“David worked in our building and he will be greatly missed. He was conscientious and kind, and always willing to go out of his way to be helpful. Our hearts break for his family. This is a tremendous loss,” said Debra Wood.
“David was such a fun-loving man who treated people with kindness and respect. My heart hurts learning about this loss, and my prayers are with his family and friends,” said Tim Lopez.
“I was friends with David from the neighborhood," said someone with the initials BH. "He was a good guy, and deserved to be here longer. We had some good moments. I'll miss you man. My condolences to the family.”
Howard has this message for the public:
“Don’t hesitate to make that call. Don’t ask permission to go over and visit and don't take any moment for granted because you never know what holiday will be your last holiday, your last text message, your last trip to the county fair will be.”