Pedestrian killed while walking on Interstate 5 in Portland; investigators reconstruct late-night collision

Crash on I-5 leaves one dead and triggers overnight lane closures

A pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 5 in Portland during a late-night crash that closed lanes for several hours and prompted a major crash investigation.

The collision occurred on southbound I-5 near Northeast Marine Drive at about 10:39 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. Officers arriving at the scene found the pedestrian deceased. The driver of the involved vehicle and a passenger were transported to a hospital with minor injuries and were later released.

Authorities said the driver remained on scene and cooperated with investigators. Initial findings reported no signs of driver impairment. Officials said no further details would be released immediately while the investigation continued.

Victim identified; investigation focuses on events leading up to the impact

The pedestrian was later identified as Mitchell B. Ferebee after next-of-kin notification. Investigators have not publicly detailed why the pedestrian was on the interstate at the time of the crash or whether the person was walking along the roadway, attempting to cross, or had exited a vehicle.

As part of the scene response, the Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crash Team examined the location, documented physical evidence, and worked to reconstruct the sequence of events. Southbound I-5 was closed during the investigation, with traffic diverted to Washington State Route 14. The closure lasted for several hours.

Interstate pedestrian crashes remain a recurring safety issue

Crashes involving pedestrians on high-speed roadways are comparatively rare but often severe because interstate speeds and limited stopping distances leave little margin for error. In Portland’s most recent annual traffic-safety reporting, pedestrians represented a significant share of traffic deaths citywide, and fatal pedestrian crashes disproportionately occurred in dark conditions.

The Feb. 27 crash took place at night, a factor that investigators routinely consider when assessing visibility, driver perception time, lighting conditions, and the pedestrian’s location relative to travel lanes and shoulders.

What authorities have confirmed so far

• The fatal crash occurred on southbound I-5 near Northeast Marine Drive at about 10:39 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2025.
• The pedestrian died at the scene and was later identified as Mitchell B. Ferebee.
• The driver and a passenger were hospitalized with minor injuries and later released.
• Authorities reported no signs of driver impairment and said the driver was cooperative.
• Southbound I-5 was closed for several hours during the investigation and traffic was rerouted.

Investigators typically finalize findings only after reviewing physical evidence, vehicle data where available, and witness accounts.

Officials have not announced citations or charges in connection with the crash. Any determinations about fault or criminal liability generally depend on investigative findings and prosecutorial review.