Just after 10 p.m. Wednesday, a white Jeep Gladiator veered off Skyline Road South near Lombardy Lane South and slammed into a tree, killing the driver. Marion County deputies later identified the victim as 53-year-old Dwight Mills of Salem. He was alone in the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. The roadway was shut down while deputies and crash investigators worked late into the night.
In a Facebook post, the Marion County Sheriff's Office said deputies were dispatched to the crash and that the Marion County CRASH Team responded to investigate. The post named local partner agencies that assisted at the scene and extended condolences to Mills’ family. The sheriff’s office also asked anyone with information about the wreck to contact investigators as the probe continues.
Crash Details and Response
Early reporting echoed the sheriff’s account that the Jeep failed to negotiate a corner before leaving the roadway and striking a tree. Country Herald identified the driver as Dwight Mills and confirmed he was the only person in the vehicle. Officials have not released any findings on speed, impairment or other possible contributing factors.
The collision took place on a stretch of Skyline Road South near Lombardy Lane South in south Salem, in the 97306 area. MapQuest shows the road running past nearby residential parcels and confirms the general location cited by deputies.
What Investigators Say
The Marion County CRASH Team is continuing its investigation, and deputies said more details will be released once the case is further along. In its Facebook update, the sheriff’s office asked witnesses or anyone with relevant dash-cam video to contact the department.
The post also thanked Marion County deputies, the CRASH Team, Polk County Fire and local chaplains for their response, while offering condolences to Mills’ family. Country Herald noted that the roadway was affected while crews worked through the night.
