Gresham man arrested for crash that killed two

Investigators with the East County Vehicular Crimes Team have arrested 22-year-old Eyasu Bedasso in relation to a fatal June traffic crash.

On June 16, 2025, officers responded to a serious traffic crash on SW Towle Avenue in Gresham. A small SUV driven by Bedasso collided with another vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle, 69-year-old Theresa Heick, died at the scene. Theresa's husband and passenger, 79-year-old Robert Heick, was transported to the hospital with critical injuries. Robert died of his injuries several days later. Photo of the couple.

Members of the East County Vehicular Crimes Team investigated the crash. The VCT is made up of specially trained officers from the Gresham Police Department and Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, along with dedicated prosecutors from the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office.

Investigators reviewed physical evidence at the scene, surveillance video, and data captured by the involved vehicle's onboard computers. An unmanned aircraft system (drone) was also used to analyze and document the crash scene. They determined Bedasso's vehicle was travelling more than 80mph in the posted 35mph zone. His speed was the major cause of the crash. Investigators do not believe impairment was a factor in the collision.

• Photo 1 of crash
• Photo 2 of crash

Bedasso was indicted by a Grand Jury on October 31 and arrested by investigators on November 5. He was booked into Multnomah County Jail to face two counts of manslaughter in the second degree, two counts of criminally negligent homicide, and reckless driving. This crash is a tragic reminder of the danger and potential consequences when motorists disregard posted speed limits.