Traffic deaths show no sign of slowing down January 01 2021 UPDATE: The driver in last fatality of 2020 is charged with DUII as new year begins with another death. The first Portland traffic fatality of 2021 was reported just a little more than seven hours into the new year. It followed a pedestrian death the day before — and an increase in 2020, despite a reduction in driving for much of that year caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to police, the driver of a vehicle died and another person is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries following a morning crash on Jan. 1. The driver in the New Year's Day crash is identified as Daniel Martinez, 19, of Portland. The two passengers are not being identified. One is seriously injured.