GRESHAM, Ore. -- Police have released surveillance photographs of the suspect vehicle involved in Sunday night's fatal hit-and-run crash on NE Burnside Road.
Dennis Yamnitsky, 60, died at the hospital after he was struck and killed on NE Burnside, south of NE Division Street, Sunday evening.
In a statement, Yamnitsky's two children said they hope the driver will have the courage to come forward and give their family the closure they deserve.
"Our father was an avid environmentalist who never missed an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. He had a huge heart and always served others before himself. He will be remembered for his dynamic personality and energetic spirit," said the statement from Alli and Chris Yamnitsky.
The driver fled the scene in a car described as a light-colored, possibly silver or champagne, four-door import sedan. There is likely damage to the car's driver-side front quarter panel.
Despite head injuries and possibly a broken leg, Yamnitsky was able to talk to police after he was hit about 6:40 p.m.
Yamnitsky was wearing jeans and dark hoodie when he tried to cross Burnside outside the marked crosswalk, police said.
"I think that was the most devastating part, how it happened, someone mowed him down in the middle of the road and then leave him to die, that's deplorable," said Yamnitsky's neighbor, Janie Tate. "I don't know what kind of person can do that and live with themselves."
Anyone with information should call the police non-emergency line at 503-823-3333 or the Gresham Police tip line at 503-618-2719.