Law enforcement is investigating the death of a 21-year-old Rainier man who appears to be the victim of a fatal hit-and-run on the morning of July 21. The incident has the family and community seeking answers over who is responsible.
Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley said law enforcement responded to the incident around 8:30 a.m. on Sunday.
“On July 21, 2024, around 8:30 a.m., law enforcement received a report of a possibly deceased male who appeared to have been hit by a car near milepost 47 on Highway 30 in Rainier,” Pixley said. “Medics and law enforcement responded to the scene and attempted to render aid to the victim, identified as 21-year-old Damian Burgess of Rainier.”
According to Pixley, the Columbia County Major Crimes Team has been activated and is investigating the death. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to call our tip line at 503-366-4698.
Heartbreak for the family
Though Burgess is Damian’s legal last name, those who loved him and knew him best referred to him as Damian Tapia Martinez. Word regarding his tragic passing has been shared across social media.
Tapia Martinez was the father of an 8-month-old daughter. Makenna Calhoun is the mother of the child and was Tapia Martinez’s girlfriend. Speaking to the Chronicle & Chief about Tapia Martinez, Calhoun shared that he was a loving partner and father to their daughter. The days since his passing have been hard, and she described the tragedy as unimaginable.
"Our daughter is only 8 months old and never got the chance to truly experience the love he genuinely had for her. She will forever know her daddy as an amazing man though because he was. He would have given the shirt off his back if he had to," Calhoun said.
Though the grief has been unbearable, Calhoun said she doesn't want the tragic accident to eclipse the positive aspects of his life. She shared that he loved Star Wars, Legos, and video games, and was a steadfast friend and father. He was also an aspiring music artist, and that he had a gentle and giving heart.
"I want [the community] to know the positive about his life, and not just the negative tragedy we’re all enduring," Calhoun said.
Support the family
Calhoun shared a link to a GoFundMe that has been started in order to raise money to help with memorial costs and other expenses.
Calhoun shared the following message in the description of the GoFundMe:
“On the morning of July 21, I lost my soul mate, my daughter forever lost her daddy and our lives are forever changed. Damian was only 21 years old when someone struck and killed him and left him for me to find. Mine and my daughter’s lives will forever be altered, and I have no idea how to navigate this world without him. As well as his loved ones. Our world has been flipped upside down, and I am seeking help to cover the memorial costs, as well as possible legal fees and caring for our 8-month-old daughter while we make it through these dark times! Please share! Anything helps! His loved ones and I are very appreciative of everyone’s support while we grieve our tragic loss.”
The fundraiser’s goal is $20,000, and since it was created on July 22 has already received more than $1,730 as of July 24.
To donate to the family, visit: https://gofund.me/4ade870e .
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