On Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 9:51 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Hwy-22, near milepost 22, in Polk County. The preliminary investigation indicated a Honda Civic, operated by Abraham Hernandez Perez (19) of Gervais, was traveling eastbound when it struck a pedestrian, Jose Romero Cruz (41) of Dallas, who was in the lane of travel. The pedestrian (Romero Cruz) was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Honda operator (Hernandez Perez) suffered minor injuries and was transported for medical treatment. The highway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Fire Department, Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office, Polk County District Attorney’s Office, and ODOT.
Hwy. 22 Fatal, Polk Co.
On Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 12:23 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on HWY-22, near milepost 23, in Polk County. The preliminary investigation indicated a Ford Mustang was eastbound at a high rate of speed when it lost control, left the highway, and struck an embankment. Both occupants were not wearing seatbelts and were ejected from the vehicle. David Lee Nelson (55), of Salem, was declared deceased at the scene. David James Nelson (23), of Salem, suffered minor injury and transported to a local hospital for treatment. The highway was impacted for approximately 6 hours during the on-scene investigation. At this time, speed and potential impairment are being considered the primary causes of the crash. OSP was assisted by Salem PD, Polk County Sheriff’s Department, and ODOT.