Driver hit man crossing near Ewald Avenue in Salem
December 04, 2025 | Salem, OR
A 21-year-old Marion County man lost his life following a pedestrian accident on Nov. 29 along Commercial Street SE near Ewald Avenue SE.
Ethan Alekseyenko, 21, of Marion County died after southbound Chevrolet sedan struck him while he crossed Commercial Street SE near Ewald Avenue SE in Salem.
What Happened in the Crash?
Two men were crossing Commercial Street SE westward around 10 p.m. when a southbound Chevrolet sedan collided with one of them. The crash sent Ethan Alekseyenko to Salem Health, where he remained until life support ended on Dec. 4.
- Date and Time: Nov. 29, 2025, shortly after 10 p.m.
- Location: Commercial Street Southeast near Ewald Avenue Southeast , Salem
- Victim: Ethan Alekseyenko, 21, of Marion County
- Vehicle Involved: Chevrolet sedan, southbound
- Driver: 76-year-old who stayed at the scene and cooperated
- Other Pedestrian: Uninjured
- Investigation Status: Ongoing by Salem Police Department, and no arrests or citations issued
The driver remained cooperative, and authorities continue to examine the circumstances.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities have surged across the U.S., outpacing other traffic deaths. Data from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows a sharp rise in such incidents.
Common factors include:
- Driver distractions, such as smartphones
- Failure to yield to crosswalks
- Reduced visibility at night
- Speeding in urban areas
Factor |
Impact on Pedestrian Safety |
Source |
|---|
Smartphone Distraction |
Increases crash risk by 23% |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Nighttime Conditions |
75% of pedestrian deaths occur after dark |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Failure to Yield |
Primary cause in 40% of cases |
Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) |
Urban Speeding |
Contributes to 30% higher fatality rates |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
This table highlights key contributors to pedestrian risks, drawing from federal data.
Legal Insights
In pedestrian collision cases, independent investigations play a crucial role in establishing fault.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline. “It is always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian.”
Bond emphasized the need for thorough investigation into incidents like this to uncover distractions or other negligence.
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on such crashes:
- Drivers must prioritize scanning for walkers, especially in low-light conditions.
- Families may pursue claims for lost income, emotional distress, and medical costs.
- Early legal consultation helps navigate insurance pressures for low settlements.
“Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica noted that compassionate guidance from advocates ensures fair compensation during grief.
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(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
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