Motorcyclist injured in Battle Ground crash remains in critical condition

The motorcyclist who was critically injured when he collided with an SUV on Saturday in Battle Ground remains in critical condition at a Portland hospital.

Steven Lenz, 33, of Vancouver is receiving treatment for a severe brain injury and trauma throughout his body at OHSU Hospital, his girlfriend, Mallory Bartlett, said Thursday. Lenz’s most severe injuries were to his brain and face, she said.

“He’s a fighter. He’s extremely strong. He’s showing progress little by little,” Bartlett said from the hospital.

Lenz was riding a 2015 Harley-Davidson FX Dyna Street Bob motorcycle shortly before 7 p.m. in the 27400 block of Northeast 182nd Avenue, according to a Clark County Sheriff’s Office news release. Witnesses said a northbound 2016 Toyota Highlander turned left into the path of the southbound motorcycle, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies and Clark County Fire District 3 crews responded and performed CPR on Lenz, according to the sheriff’s office. Lenz was taken to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver with critical injuries.

A PeaceHealth spokesperson said earlier Thursday that Lenz was treated and released. However, a family member and Bartlett reached out to The Columbian later in the day saying Lenz had been transferred to the Portland hospital.

Lenz has undergone four surgeries and has “many more to come,” Bartlett said.

“He’s not awake, but he’s progressing. He’s been able to respond to some commands,” she said. “He has a lot of family surrounding and supporting him.”

The driver of the Toyota has been cooperative in the investigation, and impairment is not suspected as a factor in the crash, according to the sheriff’s office.