Tony McCorkindale killed in pedestrian crash on Highway 395

Vehicle strikes pedestrian crossing in unlit area near milepost 2

December 11, 2025 | Pendleton, OR

A 39-year-old Umatilla County resident lost his life in a pedestrian incident early Thursday morning along an unlit stretch of Highway 395 outside Pendleton, Oregon.

Authorities confirmed the details of this heartbreaking event.

Tony James McCorkindale, 39, of Umatilla County, died after a northbound Scion xB struck him while he crossed an unlit area near milepost 2 on Highway 395 near Pendleton.

What Happened in the Crash?

The collision took place shortly after 5 a.m. on Dec. 11 near milepost 2. 

Key details include:

• Victim: Tony James McCorkindale, 39, from Umatilla County
• Vehicle Involved: Northbound Scion xB driven by a 37-year-old Hermiston resident
• Outcome: McCorkindale was struck and pronounced dead at the scene
• Driver Status: The driver remained uninjured and cooperated with investigators
• Investigating Agency: Oregon State Police

This tragic occurrence underscores the dangers pedestrians face on rural highways with limited lighting.

Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?

Oregon has seen a steady increase in pedestrian deaths over the years, with projections for 2024 indicating nearly 50% more fatalities than a decade prior. Statewide, more than 100 such incidents have been recorded annually in recent times. Portland bears a significant portion, often on fast-moving roads lacking proper crosswalks, as noted in Portland's 2024 Deadly Traffic Crash Report.

Nationally, the trend aligns with a nearly 60% rise in pedestrian fatalities since 2013, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. Contributing factors include the popularity of larger vehicles like SUVs and pickups, which can obscure visibility for drivers.

Elements such as poor visibility, road conditions, and lighting play critical roles in these events.

Legal Insights

National legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on pedestrian collisions.

“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”

Key takeaways from such analyses include:

• It is typically a driver's responsibility to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or roadways.
• Families may pursue claims for loss of income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
• Professional guidance helps navigate insurance pressures for low settlements, ensuring fair compensation.

“In cases such as this, serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a family through this difficult time while protecting their rights,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”

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