With 14 New COVID Deaths Reported in a Day, Oregon’s Toll Reaches 303 People Killed

Among the deaths reported today is a 26-year-old man found dead in his Yamhill County home.

A masked bartender at a Southeast Portland rooftop bar. (Brian Burk)
By Aaron Mesh

Oregon suddenly crossed the bleak threshold of 300 deaths from the COVID-19 coronavirus, after reporting 14 new deaths today. The state's death toll now sits at 303.

Tuesday's tally is the largest in a single day since the pandemic began, surpassing the previous record of nine. That figure was reported only last week. (The deaths did not all occur July 28; they are reported as health officials learn the cause of death.)

COVID-19 deaths are surging across Oregon, following close behind a rise in new cases that started in June. State health officials blame the increased transmission on informal gatherings, from bachelor parties to barbecues.

Among the deaths reported today is a 26-year-old man found dead in his Yamhill County home. That's the youngest person in Oregon whose death has been linked to COVID-19.

The state offered few details on his demise. "The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2, as a cause of death or as a significant condition that contributed to his death," the Oregon Health Authority said.

Oregon recorded 342 new cases today, 74 in Multnomah County. Those numbers remain in keeping with previous days' reports, as the virus's spread shows few signs of disappearing.

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.