An Oregon emergency room doctor has been sentenced to prison after prosecutors said he hit a pedestrian with his SUV, drove away, and continued to work his hospital shift.
Doctor Sentenced in Deadly Hit-and-Run
Dr. Kenneth Kolarsky, 59, was sentenced to 13 months in prison after pleading guilty to attempted failure to perform the duties of a driver to injured persons.
The case involved the death of 44-year-old Nicolas Hernandez-Mendoza.
Pedestrian Fatally Struck While Crossing Road
Investigators said Hernandez-Mendoza was crossing Highway 99E in Woodburn on Dec. 26, 2024, after activating crosswalk safety lights.
Authorities said Kolarsky struck the man with his SUV, drove around his body, and continued driving to Silverton Hospital, where he worked a full overnight shift.
The victim later died during surgery from severe injuries.
Prosecutors Say Driver Tried to Hide Evidence
According to prosecutors, Kolarsky later attempted to conceal damage to the vehicle.
Investigators said his girlfriend drove the SUV to Minnesota and claimed it hit a deer, while Kolarsky allegedly paid cash to repair a dent on the vehicle.
Police later identified the SUV using surveillance footage and arrested him in 2025.
Judge Criticized Doctor’s Actions
During sentencing, the judge said Kolarsky left a badly injured man alone in the dark and acted without dignity.
Prosecutors also noted the seriousness of the case given Kolarsky’s role as a physician sworn to help others.
Medical License Inactive
Kolarsky’s medical license has been inactive since June 2025 following allegations of unprofessional conduct.
He also reached a $300,000 civil settlement with the victim’s family.
