A 14-year-old Salem-area boy was struck and killed by a vehicle on Lancaster Drive SE Tuesday evening, according to Marion County deputies. First responders were called to the scene at about 5:15 p.m. on June 2 near Mahrt Avenue SE, where the juvenile was pronounced dead. Deputies closed Lancaster Drive SE between State Street and Mahrt Avenue for more than three hours while they investigated. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement.
What officials said
According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to reports of a pedestrian struck on Lancaster Drive SE near Mahrt Avenue SE around 5:15 p.m. on June 2. The agency said the boy was declared dead at the scene and confirmed that the roadway was shut down in both directions while deputies documented and processed the crash site.
Driver cooperation and next steps
As reported by KATU, investigators said the driver remained at the scene and "fully cooperated" with deputies. No arrests have been made. Officials have declined to release additional identifying information, citing respect for the victim's family, the sheriff's office said.
Lancaster Drive safety concerns
Lancaster Drive has been the scene of several serious crashes in recent years, and local coverage has repeatedly flagged safety concerns along the corridor. Hoodline earlier reported a high-speed crash on Lancaster Drive that killed a driver. City planning documents describe Lancaster Drive as a heavily traveled east to west route that city and county officials have scrutinized while considering traffic and safety upgrades, according to the City of Salem.
The investigation into Tuesday's fatal collision remains active. The Marion County Sheriff's Office has extended condolences to the boy's family and to first responders who worked the scene. Deputies have not announced any criminal charges as of the latest update.
