Salem man accused of manslaughter in fatal crash near Stayton
A Salem man faces accusations of manslaughter after crashing a vehicle near Stayton Sunday night, killing a 16-year-old passenger and seriously injuring three other minors.
The driver, Christopher Atkinson, 33 of Salem, is suspected of driving under the influence of intoxicants, a statement from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said.
Around 9:50 p.m. Sunday night, first responders received a report of a single-vehicle crash near the 17000 block of Fern Ridge Road just outside of Stayton, the statement said. Police did not provide any additional information about the crash.
Responders pronounced one 16-year-old passenger dead at the scene, according to the agency. Three other passengers, ages 12, 14 and 16, were transported to local hospital with serious injuries.
Atkinson is currently in custody at the Marion County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court Monday at 2:30 p.m.
Court records show that Atkinson was previously charged with misdemeanor theft in 2018.
Contact reporter Madeleine Moore: [email protected].
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Madeleine Moore came to Salem after graduating from the University of Oregon in June 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She covers addiction and recovery, transportation and infrastructure.
