Goldsmith, who was riding a Triumph Tiger motorcycle eastbound on Northeast Airport Way, failed to stop and collided with the big rig
Portland, OR.- The motorcyclist who was killed in a crash with a big rig on Northeast Airport Way in northeast Portland Thursday morning has been identified by the Portland Police Bureau.
James Goldsmith, 52, of Fairview, died in the accident that took place at around 6 a.m. December 11, at the Interstate 205 interchange.
Police said a Freightliner semi tractor-trailer was making a left turn onto Airport Way after stopping at the non-working stop light intersection. Goldsmith, who was riding a Triumph Tiger motorcycle eastbound on Northeast Airport Way, failed to stop and collided with the big rig.
The traffic lights at the intersection were out due to copper wire being stolen from a transfer box.
Goldsmith was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Both sides of Northeast Airport Way under the freeway overpass were blocked as authorities investigated the incident. The driver of the big rig stayed at the scene and cooperated with the authorities.
The Portland Police Bureau Major Crash team is investigating the collision.
In 2024, Portland experienced a decrease in total traffic fatalities, with 58 lives lost, down from a 30-year high of 69 deaths in 2023. Despite this reduction, key risk factors and trends persist, with speeding, impairment, and dangerous road conditions continuing to be major concerns. A significant concentration of crashes (71% in 2024) occurs on the “High Crash Network” — a mere 8% of Portland's streets. Key contributors to severe crashes in Portland include: Speeding, which was a factor in nearly 48% of 2024 traffic deaths. Impaired driving (alcohol and/or drugs) which was involved in 70% of deadly crashes between 2019 and 2023. Nighttime conditions, as 83% of 2024 traffic deaths occurred during dusk, night, or dawn. Vulnerable road users, with pedestrians accounting for 36% of all traffic deaths in 2024, a rate that is over double the national average. Vehicle type, as larger vehicles (SUVs, pickup trucks, etc.) are associated with more severe outcomes in pedestrian and cyclist collisions due to their size and impact force. Hit-and-run crashes, which were up 60% in the five years between 2019 and 2023 compared to the prior five years. Socioeconomic factors, with community members experiencing homelessness being disproportionately affected, making up 21% of traffic deaths in 2024 despite representing a small fraction of the population.
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