Audra Ackerman Obituary, Death: 46-year-old woman and dog killed in McMinnville pedestrian crash
Audra Ackerman Obituary, Death – A tragic accident in McMinnville on Friday evening claimed the life of a local woman and her dog after they were struck by a pickup truck while crossing the street. According to the McMinnville Police Department (MPD), the incident occurred around 5:34 p.m. on May 24 at the intersection of Southwest Old Sheridan Road and Southwest Cypress Lane.
The pedestrian has been identified as 46-year-old Audra Ackerman, a McMinnville resident. She had been out walking her dog and was reportedly crossing the road in a northbound direction when the fatal collision occurred. Both Ackerman and her dog died at the scene from the impact.
The vehicle involved in the crash was a white Ford F250 pickup truck towing a landscaping trailer. Police identified the driver as 68-year-old Jose Huerta, also of McMinnville. Huerta remained at the scene following the accident and fully cooperated with authorities as they began their investigation. He was not injured in the collision, nor were the two passengers traveling with him in the truck.
Emergency responders from the McMinnville Fire District, along with officers from the McMinnville Police Department, were first to arrive at the scene. Despite their efforts, they were unable to save Ackerman or her dog. The area was cordoned off for approximately three hours while investigators examined the scene and gathered evidence.
Initial findings from the investigation suggest that the crash was accidental. Police noted that there was no indication that drugs, alcohol, or speeding were involved. Conditions at the time appeared to be consistent with a tragic accident, possibly influenced by environmental factors. Investigators are considering whether visibility issues, such as evening sun glare, might have played a role in obscuring the driver’s view.
The police emphasized the seasonal context of the crash, pointing out that warmer months typically bring an increase in pedestrian activity. With summer approaching, both pedestrians and drivers are being reminded to exercise increased caution. Pedestrians are encouraged to remain vigilant when crossing streets, especially in areas without marked crosswalks, while drivers are urged to be mindful of changing light conditions, including how sun glare during evening hours can limit visibility and make it harder to spot people in or near the roadway.
In a statement released after the incident, McMinnville Police extended their condolences to Ackerman’s family and all those affected by the loss. “Notifications were made to Ackerman’s family, and our condolences go out to her family and everyone impacted by this incident,” the department said.
The crash has deeply affected the McMinnville community, where Ackerman was known and respected. News of her sudden passing has prompted an outpouring of sympathy and grief, as neighbors and friends remember her as a kind person who loved animals and enjoyed spending time outdoors.
Multiple agencies assisted in the response and investigation, including the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Newberg-Dundee Police, and the McMinnville Fire District. Their joint efforts helped ensure a thorough and timely investigation, and law enforcement officials continue to review all evidence to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Although no charges have been announced, the case remains under investigation as police continue to gather witness statements and assess the scene. Investigators may also be reviewing any available traffic or surveillance camera footage from the area to further clarify how the collision occurred.
Community leaders and safety advocates are using this incident as a reminder about the importance of traffic awareness for both drivers and pedestrians. Local authorities are likely to review signage, lighting, and crosswalk markings in the area where the crash occurred to determine whether safety improvements are necessary to prevent future tragedies.
Meanwhile, tributes to Ackerman have begun appearing both online and in the local community. Many have expressed sorrow for the loss and called for greater public attention to pedestrian safety. The loss of both a person and their beloved pet has resonated deeply, and local animal advocacy groups have also shared messages of sympathy.
As McMinnville comes to terms with this painful event, the message from officials remains clear: safety is a shared responsibility. Whether walking or driving, every individual plays a role in preventing accidents. With summer on the horizon and more people heading outdoors, increased caution and awareness are more critical than ever.
In the wake of this devastating accident, the city mourns the loss of Audra Ackerman and her dog, and hopes that the tragedy will serve as a call to action for improved safety and mindfulness on the roads.
