Tragedy in the Ice: Family Seeks Justice After Deadly Portland Power Line Incident

A devastating tragedy unfolded during Portland's treacherous January ice storm, claiming the lives of three beloved family members and leaving a community in shock. Now, the surviving family has filed a harrowing lawsuit against Pacific Power and its parent company, PacifiCorp, alleging severe negligence in the incident that saw a fallen power line become a deadly trap.

The victims, identified as Edward and Barbara Michalowski, both 67, and their daughter Nicole, 34, were found deceased on the morning of January 17 on Northeast 112th Avenue.

They had tragically come into contact with a live power line that had succumbed to the heavy ice accumulation, collapsing under the strain. A fourth individual, an 18-year-old family friend, was also severely injured in the horrific accident, suffering critical burns that necessitated extensive medical care.

The lawsuit, filed by Edward and Barbara's son, Matthew Michalowski, paints a grim picture of alleged corporate oversight.

It contends that Pacific Power was fully aware of the dire conditions and the potential for infrastructure failure, yet failed to take adequate preventative measures. Specifically, the suit highlights the utility's alleged failure to de-energize power lines in areas hit hardest by the storm, despite numerous outages and the obvious risk posed by falling trees and ice-laden wires.

According to court documents, the Michalowski family's lawsuit asserts that the power line in question was not only inadequately maintained but also became a lethal hazard due to the utility's inaction.

Neighbors reported hearing a loud crack overnight, indicative of the line's collapse, yet the power remained active, turning a fallen wire into a deadly conductor. The lawsuit seeks substantial damages for wrongful death, pain and suffering, and medical expenses for the injured survivor, emphasizing the profound emotional and financial toll this incident has inflicted.

This heartbreaking event has reignited public debate and scrutiny over utility companies' responsibilities during extreme weather.

As the legal battle unfolds, the Michalowski family's pursuit of justice stands as a stark reminder of the critical importance of infrastructure safety and accountability, particularly when lives hang in the balance during nature's fiercest displays.