How Did a Suspected Drunk Driver Kill 2 Pedestrians in a Vancouver Crosswalk Crash?

Quick answer

Two pedestrians were killed after a Jeep driven by 26-year-old Noah Merchant allegedly ran a red light, flipped and struck them in a crosswalk in Vancouver, Washington, on Monday, 5 October 2026. Merchant was charged with vehicular homicide and pleaded not guilty on 12 October 2026 in Clark County Superior Court.

What happened

• Vancouver police say Merchant's Jeep ran a red light at NE Andresen Road, crashed into another vehicle, flipped and struck two pedestrians in a crosswalk.
• A 34-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
• A 43-year-old man was taken to hospital in critical condition; a second person later died from their injuries, according to OregonLive.
• Police arrested Merchant at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Court proceedings

• Merchant, 26, of Vancouver, first appeared in Clark County Superior Court on 7 October 2026.
• He pleaded not guilty on Monday, 12 October 2026, to vehicular homicide and other charges, according to KGW.
• The case was reported by KGW, KATU, KOIN, KPTV, The Columbian and OregonLive.

Context

• Red-light running combined with impairment is among the deadliest driver behaviours at urban intersections.
• Pedestrians in marked crosswalks remain highly vulnerable when a driver loses control at speed.

Frequently asked questions

Where did the crash happen?

At NE Andresen Road in Vancouver, Washington, in a marked crosswalk.

When did it happen?

On Monday, 5 October 2026.

How many people died?

Two pedestrians died: a 34-year-old woman pronounced dead at the scene, and a second person who later died from their injuries.

Who is the accused driver?

Noah Merchant, 26, of Vancouver, Washington.

What charges does he face?

Vehicular homicide and other charges. He pleaded not guilty on 12 October 2026 in Clark County Superior Court.