Hong Huynh Obituary and Fatal Southeast Portland Accident: Community Mourns Loss of 75-Year-Old Local Resident, Traffic Fatality Total Nears Record Levels
Introduction: A Community Grieves the Loss of a Beloved Neighbor
Portland is mourning the tragic death of 75-year-old Hong Huynh, a local resident, who was fatally struck by a vehicle on the morning of Wednesday, December 4, 2024. The incident occurred near the intersection of Southeast 109th Avenue and Division Street at approximately 6:45 a.m. Huynh, known for her kind spirit and deep community ties, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver involved, 38-year-old April M. Oneal of Scappoose, remained at the site of the accident and cooperated fully with law enforcement. While initially cited for careless driving, the case remains under active investigation as authorities piece together the events leading to this devastating incident.
This tragedy marks the 67th traffic-related fatality in Portland this year, highlighting an ongoing public safety crisis as the city inches toward last year’s record-high total of 69 fatalities. In this detailed account, we honor Hong Huynh’s life and legacy while examining the circumstances surrounding her untimely death and the broader implications for Portland’s traffic safety initiatives.
Hong Huynh: A Life of Dedication and Community Impact
Born in 1949, Hong Huynh emigrated to the United States in the late 1970s as part of the wave of Vietnamese immigrants seeking refuge and opportunity following the Vietnam War. Settling in Portland, Huynh built a life marked by resilience, hard work, and devotion to her family and neighbors.
She was a familiar presence in the Southeast Portland neighborhood, often seen tending to her modest garden or engaging in community activities at the local senior center. A widow, Huynh found joy in her grandchildren, who fondly recall her homemade spring rolls and her love of storytelling. Those who knew her described her as a compassionate soul who always greeted others with warmth and a genuine smile.
Her tragic death leaves a deep void not only in the lives of her loved ones but also in the community she enriched through her presence. Friends and neighbors have begun creating a makeshift memorial at the site of the accident, leaving flowers, candles, and messages of remembrance.
The Incident: What We Know So Far
The fatal crash unfolded early Wednesday morning, as Huynh was crossing Southeast Division Street, a bustling arterial road known for its high traffic volume and frequent pedestrian activity. Preliminary reports suggest Huynh may have been attempting to cross at an unmarked area when she was struck.
The driver, April M. Oneal, was traveling eastbound when the collision occurred. Oneal, a resident of Scappoose, Oregon, remained on-site and fully cooperated with responding officers from the Portland Police Bureau’s Traffic Division. She was cited for careless driving, a violation that can carry penalties including fines and potential license suspension. Investigators have not ruled out additional charges pending the outcome of the investigation.
Portland’s Traffic Safety Crisis
Huynh’s death is the latest in a string of traffic-related fatalities that have plagued Portland in recent years. With 67 fatalities recorded so far in 2024, the city is on track to match or exceed last year’s grim milestone of 69 traffic deaths—the highest total in over three decades.
Portland officials have long been working to address the city’s traffic safety challenges through initiatives like Vision Zero, a program aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. However, progress has been slow, and incidents like the one that claimed Huynh’s life highlight the urgent need for more effective measures.
Southeast Division Street, where the crash occurred, has been a focal point of these efforts. Often referred to as one of Portland’s most dangerous corridors for pedestrians, the street has seen significant investment in safety improvements, including enhanced crosswalks, speed reduction measures, and increased enforcement. Despite these efforts, pedestrian fatalities in the area remain alarmingly high.
Calls for Justice and Action
Huynh’s death has reignited calls for stronger traffic safety measures in Portland. Advocacy groups, including Oregon Walks and the Street Trust, have pointed to the incident as a tragic reminder of the systemic changes needed to protect vulnerable road users.
“We cannot continue to lose lives to preventable traffic incidents,” said Sarah Iannarone, executive director of the Street Trust. “Hong Huynh’s death is a profound loss, and it underscores the urgency of prioritizing pedestrian safety through infrastructure investments and driver accountability.”
A Legacy Remembered: The Human Cost of Traffic Fatalities
As the investigation continues, Huynh’s family and friends are left to grapple with the sudden and devastating loss. Her granddaughter, Linh Tran, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, writing, “My grandma was the heart of our family. She taught us the value of kindness and hard work. Her passing is an unimaginable tragedy, and we will fight to ensure her death is not in vain.”
Community members have also rallied to support Huynh’s family, launching a crowdfunding campaign to assist with funeral expenses and to honor her memory. The campaign has raised over $15,000 in its first 24 hours, reflecting the outpouring of grief and solidarity from those touched by her story.
How to Help
Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to come forward. Tips can be submitted via email to crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov, referencing case number 24-309734.
In addition, advocates encourage residents to support local organizations working to improve traffic safety and to participate in community forums addressing these critical issues.
Conclusion: A Tragic Reminder and a Call to Action
The death of Hong Huynh serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost of Portland’s traffic safety crisis. Her life, marked by resilience and compassion, is a testament to the countless ways individuals enrich their communities, often in quiet and unassuming ways.
As her family, friends, and neighbors mourn her loss, the city must confront the systemic issues that contributed to her untimely death. Through collective action, Portland can strive to honor Huynh’s memory by ensuring that no other lives are needlessly lost on its streets.
