PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two teen boys are dead after an early-morning crash in Vancouver.
Vancouver Fire Department confirmed that a crash just before 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday turned deadly. Vancouver police said the victims — ages 14 and 17 — stepped off the curb and into the road between NE 20th and NE 23rd streets. They were hit by a vehicle and killed.
Their identities have not yet been released.
KOIN 6 News talked with two co-workers of the driver. Chris and Genevieve White described the moment they rolled up when they noticed the car of their co-worker was pulled over on the side of the road. It was on their typical route to work at SEH America in Vancouver.
They assumed he was having mechanical issues.
“We heard him say it happened before he was aware there was anybody there,” said Genevieve.
“I can only imagine what it’s like to be in his shoes right now. He stepped out of the vehicle and he was in shock — very distraught,” Chris said. “It was only then that I noticed the damage to the passenger side of his vehicle.
“He described them as shadows, just shadows, and then it happened,” said Chris. “I don’t think he even had time to step on the brakes — it was just so sudden.”
The victims’ bodies were found on the side of the road.
“When we got over to the side and realized that people had been struck — there was no movement. Nothing, no sign of life,” said Genevieve.
The Whites said two other cars also stopped, with people jumping out and attempting to administer first aid.
“Another woman showed up dressed in scrubs, obviously in the medical field. She went over and tried doing CPR on one of them while Chris was contacting 911,” said Genevieve. “I just stayed with the young man to try and help him because he was just distraught.”
Vancouver PD said the driver is cooperating and impairment is not believed to be a factor. Police said there is a street light in the area but the teens, who were wearing dark clothing, were crossing mid-block where there is no crosswalk.
The Whites said the driver is just 19-years-old, describing him as a good kid. The couple stayed with him as officers gathered evidence.
“It’s not that often you see people walking on this side of the road,” said Bill Canfiele who lives nearby. “With all of this construction out here, they might have to put more lights — flashing lights, safety lights.”
NE 112th Ave. was closed from NE 28th St. to NE 18th St. for several hours, but has since reopened.
KOIN 6 News reached out to Evergreen Public Schools but the district wasn’t able to confirm whether their students were involved.
An investigation is ongoing.