Zachariah Brown Obituary, Death; Salem motorcyclist fatally struck early Sunday morning.
Zachariah Brown Obituary, Death – A tragic traffic accident early Sunday morning claimed the life of a Salem motorcyclist who was struck by a vehicle east of the city. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 44-year-old Zachariah Brown was riding his motorcycle along Southeast Ganon Street when a black SUV collided with him shortly after 3 a.m. The crash was reported at 3:15 a.m. at the 6400 block of Ganon Street. Deputies arrived on the scene around 3:25 a.m. and found Brown with fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene, marking another early-morning fatality on Salem roads.
Authorities stated that the driver of the SUV remained at the scene and fully cooperated with investigators. No arrests have been made in connection with the crash, and the investigation is being handled by the Marion County CRASH Team, which specializes in serious traffic incidents. Road closures were necessary while investigators worked, with Southeast Ganon Street shut from approximately 4:25 a.m. to 9 a.m. to allow for evidence collection and scene documentation.
Brown was known locally for his work as a contractor with RDG Construction Services in Salem, according to his social media profiles. Friends and colleagues have expressed shock and sadness at his sudden death, emphasizing the dangers faced by motorcyclists on busy streets and the impact such accidents have on families and communities.
This crash was the second fatal traffic incident in Salem in the early hours of Sunday morning. Just before 2:20 a.m., Brittany Hochstetler was killed after being struck by an SUV on Southeast Commercial Street, according to the Salem Police Department. The close timing of these two fatalities highlights ongoing safety concerns on Salem streets and the vulnerability of both motorcyclists and pedestrians to serious accidents.
Salem has now experienced 14 fatal traffic crashes so far in 2025, according to reporting by Salem Reporter. Local authorities continue to urge drivers to exercise caution, particularly during the early morning hours when visibility is limited and fatigue may be a factor. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Salem Police Department have both emphasized the importance of safe driving practices and vigilance to prevent additional tragedies.
In summary, Zachariah Brown, 44, was fatally struck by a black SUV while riding his motorcycle along Southeast Ganon Street in Salem early Sunday morning. Deputies arrived minutes after the crash and pronounced him dead at the scene. The SUV driver stayed on site and cooperated with authorities, and the Marion County CRASH Team is investigating the incident. This crash followed another early-morning fatality in Salem and contributes to the area’s rising number of deadly traffic incidents in 2025. Authorities continue to appeal to the public to drive safely and remain attentive on the roads.
