Good Samaritan Killed in Car Crash

Date: January 22, 2010
Location: Old Highway 47, near Forest Grove, Oregon
Name: Joshua Hieter

A Good Samaritan trying to help others after a car crash was killed the morning of January 22, 2010, on Old Highway 47, near Forest Grove, Oregon.

Responders to the scene found Joshua Hieter, 31, of Forest Grove, lying in the road. Authorities believe he died instantly.

Hieter had stopped to assist at the scene of a “very bad” crash when another car struck and killed him, Dave Nemeyer of Forest Grove Fire & Rescue told NWCN.com.

The tragedy started when a car and truck collided at Highway 47 and SW B Street. Five people were injured; three others in the vehicles were unhurt. Two of the people who were injured were taken to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, and three to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital. Authorities were not sure what caused the accident.

As OSP continued to investigate, Hieter’s wife, April, remembered Joshua as a true Good Samaritan who often stopped to help those in need.

April Hieter told KGW.com that she is trying to be strong for their 3-year-old son, Wyatt. April described Joshua as “an excellent dad,” and said Wyatt was “everything to him.” Joshua was April’s high school sweetheart, and April said that he was not just her husband, he was her best friend.

The tragedy has stunned the entire community. Local residents are calling Josh Hieter a hero who died trying to help others.

A memorial fund has been set up in Josh Hieter’s name at West Coast Bank. For more information, call 1-800-895-3345.

We would like to add our prayers to those of all Josh’s loved ones, including family, friends, community, and especially April and Wyatt. We believe Josh will be remembered as a model of kindness and caring, and others will be inspired by his selfless act. Please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time.

If it is discovered that the driver who hit Hieter was at fault, his family’s own personal injury protection benefits, or PIP, will help pay toward funeral services. The other driver’s insurance should pay the rest up to his or her limit.