ASTORIA, Ore. – A man is facing multiple criminal charges following a deadly hit-and–run crash that occurred on Sunday morning in Astoria, Oregon, according to local authorities.
The tragic incident unfolded at approximately 9:18 a.m., when officers from the Astoria Police Department were dispatched to a collision involving a pedestrian at the intersection of 16th Street and Irving Avenue. When law enforcement arrived, they discovered a 77-year-old woman who had been fatally struck by a vehicle. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name has not yet been released pending notification of her family.
Police have identified the driver involved in the fatal crash as 50-year-old Michael Munson Smith. According to the police report, Smith fled the scene immediately after striking the pedestrian. While attempting to escape, he collided with another vehicle just one block away at the intersection of 17th Street and Irving Avenue. He did not stop after the second collision either and continued heading southbound on 17th Street.
An officer later located Smith in the 1700 block of Jerome Avenue, a short distance from the crash sites. He was apprehended and taken into custody without incident. Authorities transported Smith to the Clatsop County Jail, where he was formally booked on a series of serious charges related to the incident.
Smith is now facing the following charges: second-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII), failure to perform the duties of a driver to an injured person, failure to perform the duties of a driver when property is damaged, reckless driving, and recklessly endangering another person.
The investigation into the crash is being handled with assistance from the Oregon State Police Traffic Crash Reconstructionist and the Clatsop County Major Crimes Team, who are working alongside Astoria Police to determine the exact sequence of events and contributing factors.
Authorities have not yet released further information regarding Smith’s blood alcohol content at the time of his arrest or whether any substances other than alcohol were involved. However, the charges indicate that impairment is suspected to have played a significant role in the incident.
The death of the 77-year-old woman has deeply impacted the local community. Pedestrians and residents in the area where the crash occurred say they are shaken by the tragedy and have expressed frustration over reckless and impaired driving within city limits. Several community members have left flowers and candles at the intersection of 16th and Irving to honor the woman’s memory.
Neighbors described the area as a typically quiet residential part of Astoria, where pedestrian traffic is common, especially among older adults who live nearby. The crash has renewed calls for increased enforcement of traffic laws and the implementation of additional safety measures for pedestrians, such as speed bumps, improved signage, and increased patrols in high-risk areas.
The arrest of Smith brings some relief to those mourning the loss, but the incident has sparked outrage over the dangers posed by impaired and reckless driving. Local law enforcement officials are using this case to remind the public of the severe consequences of driving under the influence and fleeing the scene of an accident.
Smith’s decision to flee not only compounded the legal charges against him but also deprived first responders of crucial time that could have potentially made a difference in the outcome, had the woman not already been fatally injured.
The Astoria Police Department is continuing its investigation and has asked for help from the public. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash, saw Smith’s vehicle in the area, or has additional information is encouraged to reach out to Detective Madyson Hanna. She can be contacted by phone at 503-325-4411 or via email at mhanna@astoria.gov.
As the case progresses through the legal system, the community of Astoria mourns the tragic loss of an elderly resident and calls for accountability and greater safety for pedestrians throughout the city.
No date has yet been released for Smith’s court appearance. Meanwhile, the identity of the victim is expected to be made public once her next of kin has been notified. Officials are also expected to release more information once the ongoing investigation is complete.
This heartbreaking case stands as a stark reminder of the irreversible damage caused by impaired and reckless driving, and of the importance of staying at the scene and taking responsibility when accidents occur. As Astoria residents come to terms with the tragedy, law enforcement and community leaders continue to emphasize vigilance, caution, and accountability on the road.
