UPDATE: Wire Theft Contributed to Fatal Motorcycle Crash

A thief stealing copper wire contributed to the circumstances that led to a fatal crash involving a motorcycle and a semi.

The initial investigation has determined that some time before the crash, someone cut wires in the transfer box leading to the traffic lights in the intersection. That caused the lights to stop working and is a contributing factor to the crash.

The tractor-trailer, a 2022 Freightliner, exited I-205 southbound to Northeast Airport Way and was turning onto eastbound Airport Way after stopping. The involved motorcycle, a 2012 Triumph Tiger, was traveling in the eastbound Airport Way in the right lane and did not stop at the non-operating light. The motorcycle crashed into the truck while within the intersection. Investigators believe that due to other vehicles stopped at the intersection, both involved drivers likely could not see one another.

The motorcycle rider is identified as James P. Goldsmith, 52, of Fairview, Oregon. His family has been notified of his death.

Anyone seeing suspicious behavior or witnessed someone tampering with traffic control boxes in the area of Northeast Airport Way and I-205 is encouraged to contact the Traffic Investigations Unit (TIU) at [email protected]attn: TIU and reference case number 25-338413.

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***Original Messages Below***

Traffic #ALERT UPDATE: NE Airport Way is now a Fatal Crash Investigation

The Major Crash Team is continuing its investigation at the scene.

The motorcyclist will be identified after his name has been confirmed and family has had time to make notifications.

This is the 42^nd traffic related fatality in the City of Portland in 2025, and the eighth involving a motorcyclist.

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***Original Message Below***

Traffic #ALERT: Major Crash Team Investigating Collision on NE Airport Wy

The Portland Police Major Crash Team is investigating a collision involving a semi and a motorcycle on Northeast Airport Way at the I-205 underpass.

On Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 6:06 a.m., Portland Police Officers from North Precinct responded to a report of a crash at Northeast Airport Way at the I-205 interchange. When officers arrived, they found a crash involving a tractor-trailer and a motorcycle. The adult male motorcycle rider was transported to the hospital and treated. His injuries are believed to be life-threatening. The driver of the tractor-trailer remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. Officers have determined that the traffic signals in the intersection are out.

The Portland Police Traffic Division Major Crash Team is responding to the scene to investigate. During the investigation, Northeast Airport Way is now closed both directions under the freeway overpass, but the I-205 ramps in all directions remain open.

If anyone has information about this crash and has not already spoken to police, please e-mail [email protected] attn: TIU and reference case number 25-338413.

The PIO is not responding to the scene. Additional information will be released when appropriate.

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