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Video: Why did Salem have so many visitors fatalities in 2024?
Salem noticed a file 21 deadly visitors crashes in 2024 and 22 deaths.
(This story has been up to date with further data)
A 17-year-old from Salem died July 29 in a single-vehicle crash in West Salem, in response to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Elijah Jung was driving eastbound on Gibson Road NW close to Eagle Crest Road NW when his automobile veered off the street whereas negotiating a curve and struck a tree someday after 10:30 p.m., Sgt. Tyrone Jenkins stated.
Jenkins stated the default velocity within the space is 55 mph, however a number of the turns had yellow posted indicators with decreased speeds of 25 mph.
Jenkins stated it appeared velocity was an element of the crash and there have been no indications of impairment.
The crash was reported by an worker of a close-by winery at about 5:43 a.m. the next day, Jenkins stated. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office was on scene investigating till about 11 a.m. July 30. Oregon State Police additionally responded and had been aiding, Jenkins stated.
Jenkins stated the investigation stays ongoing. Police had been nonetheless figuring out the timeline and velocity, he stated.
The street the place the crash occurred is windy, surrounded by bushes in a number of locations and poorly lit. The crash occurred ft from Eola-Amity Hills Northridge Vineyard and Winery, down a steep gravel and grass embankment.
A candlelight vigil organized by household was held at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1 at 4523 Gibson Road NW, the crash location. Polk County Sheriff’s Office had been on scene to direct visitors.
Jung was going into his senior 12 months at West Salem High School and was a “beloved” son, brother and buddy, in response to a message shared by the household. He had turned 17 lower than every week earlier than the crash.
Attendees of the vigil had been requested to convey a candle or a single flower.
More than 100 folks gathered round a big memorial full of flowers, photographs, candles and messages positioned in entrance of the tree the place Jung crashed. They prayed, hugged one another, cried and positioned extra flowers on the memorial.
People wrote messages to Jung on a posterboard handed across the crowd. Some messages learn “We’re all going to miss you so much,” “you have touched so many hearts,” and “thank you for always being such a positive light.”
Nico Dominguez Jacobo, Jung’s greatest buddy, stated Jung had a brilliant future and was planning to go to school.
Jung’s mom, Dayna Jung, stated her son was humble and quiet, however fearless.
“My baby was here for the whole night and we didn’t know he was here, so that’s why we’re doing this vigil here, because he was alone,” she stated. “That’s not ever feeling that I want for any parent.”
His father, David Jung, recalled seeing his son leaving the evening of the crash and telling him he cherished him.
“I’d never know that was the last time we’d see each other,” he stated. “If there’s anything you can learn from him, just tell each other that we love each other once in a while.”
Isabel Funk covers breaking information and public security for the Statesman Journal. Funk might be reached at [email protected] or on X at @isabeldfunk
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