SALEM, Ore. – A Salem man lost his life early Sunday morning after his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle east of the city. Authorities have identified the victim as 44-year-old Zachariah Brown, who was fatally injured in the collision, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash occurred shortly after 3 a.m. on Southeast Ganon Street. Investigators reported that a black SUV collided with Brown’s motorcycle in the 6400 block of Ganon Street. Deputies responded within minutes of the 3:15 a.m. call and arrived to find Brown with critical injuries. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene, marking yet another deadly accident on Salem roads during early-morning hours.
Officials confirmed that the driver of the SUV remained on site and fully cooperated with deputies. At this stage, no arrests have been made, and the incident is under active review by the Marion County CRASH Team, which investigates serious and fatal collisions. Southeast Ganon Street was shut down from 4:25 a.m. until about 9 a.m. while investigators documented the scene and collected evidence.
Brown, who worked as a contractor with RDG Construction Services in Salem, was remembered by friends and colleagues as hardworking and reliable. His sudden death has left those who knew him in shock, with many highlighting the increased risks motorcyclists face on city streets. Loved ones have taken to social media to share tributes, reflecting on the impact of his loss both personally and professionally.
The crash came just over an hour after another deadly collision in Salem. Around 2:20 a.m., Brittany Hochstetler was killed after being struck by an SUV on Southeast Commercial Street, according to the Salem Police Department. The two fatalities, occurring within such a short time frame, have heightened concerns about traffic safety across the city.
So far in 2025, Salem has reported 14 fatal traffic crashes, according to Salem Reporter. Authorities are urging drivers to remain cautious, especially during early morning hours when visibility is limited and fatigue may increase risks. Law enforcement continues to stress the importance of defensive driving and heightened awareness to prevent further tragedies.