Salem, Ore. — At approximately 8:30 a.m. today, callers reported a vehicle collision near the intersection of Croisan Creek RD and Roberta AV S. The Salem Police Traffic Team and other emergency responders arrived at the scene to find a car crashed into a power pole and tree leaving downed electrical line across Croisan Creek RD.
The preliminary investigation by the Traffic Team revealed the driver of the car, Richard Gary Brunkal of Salem, was traveling southbound on Croisan Creek RD when he was unable to maintain control of the vehicle. The compact crossover car he was driving left the right shoulder of the roadway and sheared off a utility pole and struck two trees before stopping.
Officers performed lifesaving measures for the passenger before paramedics arrived; however, the passenger, Judith Ann Brunkal, age 84 of Salem, was pronounced deceased.
The 82-year-old driver is cooperating with the investigation. No arrest or citations have been issued at this time.
Croisan Creek RD between Heath ST and Mockingbird DR was closed for the crash investigation and to allow for repairs by Portland General Electric (PGE) crews.
As of 4:00 p.m. this afternoon, Croisan Creek RD remains closed with street access available to those residences in the area.
Today’s early morning traffic fatality is the twelfth in Salem for 2024.
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