Oregon Physician Sentenced to Prison for Fatal Woodburn Hit-and-Run

Kenneth Kolarsky, a 59-year-old emergency room physician, was sentenced Tuesday to 13 months in prison for a 2024 hit-and-run that resulted in the death of a pedestrian. The Marion County District Attorney’s Office announced the sentence on Wednesday, which also includes three years of post-prison supervision.

The incident occurred on the evening of December 26, 2024, when Kolarsky struck Nicolas Hernandez-Mendoza with his vehicle as the man crossed North Pacific Highway in Woodburn. Prosecutors stated that Kolarsky stopped briefly, drove around the unconscious victim, and fled the scene. Hernandez-Mendoza was transported to a nearby hospital with a fractured cervical vertebra and pelvic fractures; he died during emergency surgery due to internal bleeding from his spleen.

Investigators identified Kolarsky’s vehicle by reviewing surveillance footage from dozens of businesses and residences in the area. According to officials, Kolarsky was driving from his home in the Portland area to a shift at Silverton Hospital at the time of the collision. Surveillance video showed him arriving at the hospital approximately 20 minutes after the crash occurred.

Kolarsky pleaded guilty to attempted failure to perform the duties of a driver to an injured person. The District Attorney’s Office noted that the charges were limited to Kolarsky leaving the scene, as there was insufficient evidence to conclude the collision itself was the result of criminal activity. Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy stated that leaving the scene demonstrated a disregard for human life, particularly for a medical professional.