In the interest of safety and with the approval of the family, ODOT crews will relocate the items placed on the Yaquina Bay Bridge as a memorial to 6 year old London McCabe to a safer location south of the bridge. “We understand how important it is for the public to honor the life of this young man, and come to grips with the tragedy of his death,” said ODOT interim District 4 manager, Tim Swift. “We just need to create a temporary memorial space that offers safer access to the public and maintains the safety of the motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians on or near the bridge.” ODOT will transfer the many items from the bridge to a location south of the bridge where there is a pull-out for vehicles. “We ask the public to recognize and use this location in expressing their respect,” said Swift. In addition, ODOT requests motorists to reduce speed near the location and drive with caution. ODOT is communicating with the family of McCabe through the Newport Police Chaplin. Eventually, when it comes time to remove the memorial, ODOT has assured the family that any and all items they wish to keep will be delivered to them. ODOT would also like to take this opportunity to express its most sincere condolences to the friends and family of London McCabe. “As members of this community, the ODOT family is standing alongside its neighbors, offering support during this difficult time,” said Swift. The boy was thrown to his death by his mother Monday night, Nov. 3. She reported her actions to 911 and was taken into custody. The boy’s body was recovered later in the evening upriver.
