Woman Killed By Street Racers While Waiting for Ride at Bus Stop

Police have named the 26-year-old mother who was killed Saturday by a street racer while she waited at the bus stop.

Police called Ashlee Diane McGill an "innocent bystander" in reports by The Oregonian. McGill was struck and killed by a vehicle early morning August 27. According to reports, the driver who hit her was racing another car on Southeast Stark Street near 133rd Avenue. After hitting McGill, the car then ran into a tree. The driver was transported to a local hospital.

Portland has seen an increase in street racing over the last few years. Police told KOIN in 2020 that it was a problem, particularly in northern Portland.

McGill leaves behind a 6-year-old son. According to Misty Nicholson, McGill's mother, McGill was waiting at a bus stop for a ride home. The speeding car hopped the curb and then struck her.

The Portland Police Bureau told KOIN that illegal street-racing gatherings often result in vehicles losing control and then damaging property or injuring or killing spectators.

"She was a good kid," Nicholson told KATU. "She had a big heart for everybody. She didn't deserve this."

McGill's uncle Jeff Inman set up a GoFundMe page yesterday to fundraise for McGill's funeral expenses.

"Ashley had a fierce love for her son Ryker and could brighten up any room with her cheery smile and demeanor," the page said. "Her candle was put out far too soon, and her loved ones are simply not ready emotionally or financially to let her go."

Police are still investigating the crash and no arrests have been made.

Just a day after McGill was killed, Cameron Taylor, a 20-year-old Portland man, was shot and killed during an illegal street-racing gathering in Portland.

Fox News reported that according to his family, Taylor attended the event because he loved cars and wasn't participating in the race. Two others were wounded at the same event. KOIN reported that Crime Stoppers of Oregon are offering a reward for information regarding the shooting. Police have expressed concern with the gatherings, as responding to the calls often requires many officers which aren't always available.

U.S. News reported in March that two men were arrested after killing a Portland woman during an illegal street race.

Joann Dee Mardis was injured in July 2020 after two cars crashed into her truck. She wasn't involved in the street race. Mardis died of her injuries a week later. Vladimir Viktorovich Pavlov and McKinley James Faria both were arrested. Both were later indicted on charges of second-degree murder and negligent homicide.

Newsweek reached to the Portland Police Bureau for comment.