WOODBURN, Ore. — A Sunday afternoon ended in heartbreak in Woodburn after a woman was struck and killed in a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash near a busy intersection. The incident occurred on January 4, 2026, and has left the local community mourning the loss of a longtime resident.
According to the Woodburn Police Department, officers were dispatched around 2:22 p.m. to a reported crash near the intersection of Mt. Hood Avenue and Park Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a woman lying in the roadway with critical injuries after being hit by a vehicle. Witnesses at the scene were interviewed as emergency crews worked to provide aid.
The victim was identified as 49-year-old Maria Mejia-Romero of Woodburn. Police said preliminary findings indicate she was crossing Mt. Hood Avenue in an area that was not marked as a crosswalk when the collision occurred. Witness statements revealed that the vehicle involved was making a right-hand turn onto Mt. Hood Avenue at the time Mejia-Romero was struck.
Medical personnel quickly transported Mejia-Romero to Salem Hospital for emergency treatment. Despite the efforts of doctors and first responders, she later died from her injuries. Her death has deeply affected family members and neighbors, who described the incident as a devastating loss for the community.
Authorities said the vehicle involved was a 2007 Ford F-150 driven by a 16-year-old Woodburn resident. Police confirmed that the teen driver remained at the scene following the crash and cooperated fully with investigators. Based on the preliminary investigation, officials believe the crash appears to have been accidental in nature. At this time, no criminal charges or traffic citations are expected.
The investigation into the deadly crash remains ongoing as officers continue to review witness statements and evidence from the scene. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has additional information is encouraged to contact the Woodburn Police Department at (503) 982-2345 and reference Case #26-137. Police are also reminding both drivers and pedestrians to remain alert and cautious, especially at intersections, to help prevent future tragedies.
