Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect the pronouns and genders identities of individuals involved. As of Oct. 24, the unnamed individual in the hospital had a leg surgery that went as well as it could, and is resuming physical therapy in the hospital, according to a family-friend.
“On October 17, 2025, at approximately 7:35 p.m., Corvallis Police Department officers responded to a report of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash at the intersection of NW Harrison Boulevard and NW 14th Street. Tragically, one pedestrian—a 20-year-old…—was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second pedestrian, a 20-year-old…, sustained serious injuries,” according to a statement written by the CPD.
The driver, a 17-year-old female Corvallis High School student, was driving westbound as the two individuals were crossing the intersection at a crosswalk, heading southbound, or towards the university.
Merrick Woldridge (they/them), the deceased victim, was a third-year student at Oregon State University, studying psychology with a minor in anthropology and biology.
Woldridge was a research assistant for Dr. Anita Cservenka, director of the SUN Lab at OSU. Cservenka’s research primarily focused on understanding risk factors for and consequences of adolescent and young adult alcohol and substance use on neurocognition and the effects of substance use on health.
The driver stayed on scene and was cooperative throughout the investigation that took place in the moment, but police were unable to obtain a warrant to perform a toxicology test on the individual due to a blood condition, as reported by a family friend on Instagram.
The body was left in the middle of both one-way lanes, covered in a white sheet, after being declared deceased, while three blocks were taped off, including the RAV-4 that was responsible for the accident, with its fender crushed in.
The individual (he/him) taken to the hospital has not been identified as of Oct. 23 to The Baro, and we are unaware of his medical status at this moment.
The Baro reached out to Rob Odom, Vice President of University Relations and Marketing, and his statement on behalf of the school was to reach out to CPD for more information.
After reaching out to Lieutenant Ben Harvey at the Corvallis Police Department via email, the CPD has released all of the information they are prepared to release at this time, but will be updating the community as they feel fit.
The Woldridge family has created a virtual tribute wall for all who would like to honor and share a special memory of Merrick, ranging from old high school memories to simple condolences.
In addition to the tribute wall, Woldridge’s official obituary was released by DeMoss-Durdan Funeral Home, and details on the service are below.
In lieu of flowers, the family has dedicated a space for gifts through the Psychology Department Unrestricted Fund at the OSU Foundation. The gifts contributed will be used for a memorial to support the NEST and SUN labs, where Woldridge focused their research studies.
If interested, the family asks that checks be made out to “OSU Foundation,” noting that the gift is in memory of “Merrick Woldridge” in the memo line and sent directly to the OSU Foundation, located at 4238 SW Research Way, Corvallis, OR 97333.
If sending a physical check is not accessible, the family has made sure that gifts can be made online. They ask that donors type “Psychology Department Unrestricted Fund” in the box that says “I want to give to” and note that this is a memorial gift when prompted.
A service for Woldridge will be held at 1 p.m. on Oct. 30, located at the Memorial Union on OSU’s campus in the Multipurpose Room.
In a research project conducted from 2014-2018 in Corvallis, it was found that pedestrian and bicycle crashes made up 14% of the total crashes, with 71% being high-severity and fatal crashes, similar to the incident that occurred involving Woldridge.
Between 2015-2020, there were 2,363 collisions in total, specifically related to unsafe driving and speeding, primarily after noon and Friday afternoons, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.
The family’s obituary, provided by DeMoss-Durdan, and a statement from Cservenka for Woldridge can be found below.
Cservenka: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of Merrick Woldridge, who was a member of my research lab. I met Merrick last year when they were students in my Brain and Behavior course. Merrick stood out as someone passionate about brain science, psychopharmacology and addiction studies. They were eager to join my lab, and I was grateful for their assistance and dedication to the research questions. Merrick’s passing is a profound loss for us and the OSU community. I will deeply miss Merrick’s enthusiasm, curiosity, and our research conversations. Sending my deepest condolences to Merrick’s family and friends.”
Woldridge family obituary: Merrick Mavi Woldridge, age 20, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of joy, curiosity, and compassion that touched everyone who knew him. Merrick was the most positive person you could ever meet — full of energy, laughter, and kindness. In every moment and every situation, he radiated optimism and made those around him feel seen and valued. Always smiling, with his unmistakable dimple, Merrick brought warmth and connection wherever he went.
From a young age, Merrick’s zest for life was unmistakable. He threw himself wholeheartedly into every new experience, eager to try everything at least once. An athlete with natural drive and enthusiasm, he played many sports growing up — wrestling, swimming, baseball, and soccer — before discovering volleyball, which became his greatest passion. He continued playing competitively with the Oregon State University Men’s Club Volleyball team, where his spirit and encouragement uplifted everyone around him.
Merrick was deeply curious and loved learning about the world. In high school, he challenged himself academically, pursuing the International Baccalaureate program so he could earn college credit and broaden his understanding of global perspectives. His love of learning led him to Oregon State University, where he found his perfect academic home. As a third-year student majoring in Psychology with minors in Anthropology and Biology, Merrick’s intellectual curiosity and empathy shaped his dream of pursuing graduate studies in clinical psychopharmacology. He was especially fascinated by neurology, psychopharmacology, and cross-cultural psychology, and was determined to help others through his future work.
His curiosity extended beyond the classroom. Merrick loved to travel and immerse himself in other cultures — from exploring Germany, Switzerland, and Austria during high school to visiting Italy and England in college. He also expressed this love of discovery through food, finding joy in learning about different cuisines and recreating them for friends and family. Cooking was another way Merrick shared love — gathering people together with good food and laughter.
Above all, Merrick was a people person. He made friends effortlessly and cherished every connection. Whether you were a lifelong friend or someone he had just met, Merrick made you feel important. His compassion, openness, and genuine care for others left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Though Merrick’s life was far too short, it was beautifully full. He lived with joy, curiosity, and courage — embracing each day with purpose and love. His light will continue to shine through the countless lives he touched, reminding us all to live fully, love freely, and see the good in everyone, just as he did. A Celebration of life will be held in Corvallis, details to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Psychology Department Unrestricted Fund at the OSU Foundation. Memorial gifts will be used to support the NEST and SUN labs, where Merrick focused their research studies.
Checks should be made out to “OSU Foundation” noting that the gift in is memory of Merrick Woldridge in the memo line and sent to OSU Foundation, 4238 SW Research Way, Corvallis, OR 97333.
Gifts may also be made online at osufoundation.gorg/give. Please type “Psychology Department Unrestricted Fund” in the box that says “I want to give to” and note that this is a memorial gift when prompted.
