PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A man was collecting cans Thursday when a driver police say was drunk hit and killed him.
Friends told KOIN 6 News Jason Barns was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Teresa Witt, Barns’ long time friend from middle school, said the 32-year-old had fallen on hard times and was collecting cans for money when he was hit.
“He was just trying to make his ends meet,” Witt said. “He was a good kid, he had a lot going for him, and then he just, things got rough.”
Barns was on the sidewalk off North Willamette Boulevard near a group of recycling bins when police said Calum Breitenberg rounded the corner at a high speed, then hit a blue sedan. His car continued in the street then appeared to swerve, driving over the curb and running over some trees before hitting Barns.
Barns was homeless and living in a tent not far from the crash site. Fellow campers paid their respects after hearing the news.
Tim Heard knew Barns during a better time in his life.
“When I first met him, Jason was going to school, he had his own car and apartment and was doing great,” Heard said. “And it’s like one thing lead to another, he was down on his luck but he had the biggest heart, nicest guy, and it’s like, nobody deserves to die like this.”
Witt is planning a memorial to remember Barns.
“He’ll just be missed,” she said.
“He was just out trying to make ends meet, it’s sad to say, but I don’t know, I feel he’s in a better place because he doesn’t have to wake up everyday and be cold, he doesn’t have to wake up worrying where next meal is from,” Heard said. “It’s sad to say, he was only 32 years old.”
Barns mother, Caroline Barns, told KOIN 6 News a memorial is planned for Jason on Saturday, December 29 at Unity of Beaverton at the corner of SW 5th and Angel in downtown Beaverton.
Breitenberg faces 2nd-degree manslaughter, DUII and reckless endangerment.
Heard said he has friends who know Breitenberg and he feels bad for him because his life will change drastically due to the crash.
“Jason lost his life, Calum is going to be facing some time in prison for killing Jason, being drunk and driving it’s just tragic,” he said.