Pedestrian killed at Old Sheridan and Cypress
[Updated 5/29/25]
A McMinnville pedestrian was killed when she was struck by a pickup at Old Sheridan Road and Cypress Lane about 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 24.
McMinnville police identified the victim as Audra Ackerman, 46. She was walking her dog, they said. As they crossed the road northbound at the intersection, they were hit by a white F-250 pulling a landscaping trailer that was traveling west on Cypress.
Both Ackerman and her dog were killed, police said.
The pickup driver was identified as Jose Huerta, 68, of McMinnville. Neither he nor his two passengers were injured.
Huerta remained on the scene and cooperated with investigators, police said.
Investigation of the crash closed the intersection for about three hours. The McMinnville Fire District, Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and Newberg-Dundee police assisted.
McMinnville police said there was no indication that intoxicants or excess speed were contributing factors. “The overall investigation to date indicates this was a tragic accident,” a police representative said.
They cautioned other pedestrians to be extra cautious when traveling city streets. They also advised drivers to be careful and be conscious of sun glare, which can make it difficult to see people walking.
Councilor Chris Chenoweth asked if the city has plans to address the intersection at a meeting Tuesday.
City Manager Jeff Towery said it would be several weeks before the city knows all the information regarding the accident.
“We’re still waiting to gather all the information associated with that tragic incident and we’ll be evaluating what we learn from that and if there are changes that we want to suggest we can report back on those and give you a plan moving forward,” Towery said.
Comments
GRM
In memory of Audra Ackerman.
When we 2008 moved into our house, Old Sheridan and SW Cypress Ln was by far not trafficked like these days. This all started after the widening of Old Sheridan. Long before the construction started we were in contact with the city and pointed out our concerns about speeding and the safety of pedestrians. We suggested traffic lights or at least stop signs at the cross section Old Sheridan/SW Cypress. None of these were accepted.Not even a crosswalk. The only consolation price was a speedometer. And now the worst case happened. A woman in the middle of her life and her beloved dog died at this intersection.During the last year we saw several severe accidents in front of our house. The reason ? Speeding. During the nights doughnut speeding at the intersection. And now we are getting to the point. How long will the city still wait to improve the situation ? Till the next person is dead ?