FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: April 18, 2024

CONTACT:     Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net

Salem, Ore. — At approximately 6:10 p.m. this evening, the Salem Police Traffic Team responded to a single-vehicle collision on the offramp of the Center Street Bridge involving a motorcyclist.

The Traffic Team’s preliminary investigation indicates the rider of the motorcycle was traveling eastbound over the bridge. As the motorcyclist negotiated the sweeping right curve to proceed down the off-ramp, he lost control of the motorcycle and collided with the concrete barrier. The impact vaulted the rider across the barrier and approximately 30 feet down to the ground below the bridge.

The driver is identified as 27-year-old Mark Steven Sewell of Salem. Sewell was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The southbound off-ramp to Front ST was closed for approximately two-and-a-half hours while the collision was investigated.

To date in 2024, the Salem Police Department has responded to nine major traffic collisions resulting in nine deaths.

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