The crash was reported at 10:04 p.m. on November 29, 2025, near the intersection of Commercial Street SE and Ewald Avenue SE.
Salem, OR – A 21-year-old man, identified as Ethan Alekseyenko of Salem, died after being struck by a vehicle late Saturday night while crossing Commercial Street SE, according to the Salem Police Department.
The crash was reported at 10:04 p.m. on November 29, 2025, near the intersection of Commercial Street SE and Ewald Avenue SE.
Investigators learned that Alekseyenko and another individual were walking westbound across the roadway when a southbound vehicle struck Alekseyenko in the travel lane.
Authorities stated that the pair had nearly made it across the street when Alekseyenko was hit. Only one vehicle was involved in the collision, and the driver remained on the scene following the impact. The type of vehicle and additional details about the driver have not yet been released.
Emergency personnel responded quickly, providing medical care before transporting Alekseyenko to Salem Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The second pedestrian did not sustain injuries. No other vehicles were reported to have been involved.
The Salem Police Traffic Team took over the investigation, conducting interviews and assessing roadway evidence. As of the latest update, no citations or arrests have been issued in connection with the fatal crash. The identity of the driver has not been disclosed.
The cause of the collision is still under investigation, and police are evaluating potential contributing factors such as driver behavior, roadway conditions, lighting, and pedestrian visibility at the time of the incident.
Commercial Street SE experienced traffic delays and partial closures for several hours while investigators documented measurements and performed reconstruction work. All lanes were reopened after the scene examination concluded.
This incident is noted as the tenth traffic fatality in Salem in 2025, according to preliminary police data.
Pedestrian deaths continue to rise across Oregon.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, more than 130 pedestrian fatalities occurred statewide in 2023, marking one of the highest annual totals in decades.
Nationwide, pedestrian safety has been a growing concern. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that over 7,300 pedestrians were killed in the United States in 2022, reflecting a sharp increase compared to previous decades. Larger vehicles, limited visibility, and impaired driving contribute to the upward trend.
If you have lost a loved one in this Oregon collision, you can learn more about your options by visiting our wrongful death attorney page.