Selma Pierce died after she was struck by a car Tuesday evening. (Courtesy of Selma Pierce)
The Salem community was stunned Tuesday evening upon learning of the death of Selma Pierce, a retired dentist and politician known for her community service and leadership.
Pierce, 66, was out walking with a family member near her west Salem home when she stepped onto Northwest Doaks Ferry Road in west Salem at dusk and was hit by a Chevrolet SUV.
On Wednesday afternoon, Salem police identified the driver in the fatal crash as David Holmes, 58, of Salem.
Pierce died at the scene. The family member wasn’t injured.
Salem police spokesman Lt. Treven Upkes said police aren’t releasing additional details until the traffic team completes its investigation. No arrests have been made or citations issued.
“Fatal traffic collisions are complex investigations and take time. Reconstructions, diagrams and models must be created and analyzed before incident details can be determined and a case closed,” Upkes said in a statement.
Holmes was cited in 2016 for driving 30 mph over the speed limit on Highway 18 near Fort Hill Road, according to a citation filed in Polk County Circuit Court. He was convicted and ordered to pay $260.
The news brought an outpouring of grief and condolences for the Pierce family from Oregonians of all political stripes, including Gov. Kate Brown.
“Dan and I extend our sincere condolences to the Pierce family on their tremendous and sudden loss of Selma — they are in our thoughts during this difficult time,” Brown wrote on Twitter.
More than 1,000 people have commented on husband Bud Pierce’s Facebook post announcing the death, talking about how kind and caring Pierce was.
“Selma lived a life in service to her community, professionally and as a volunteer, and is an example to us all. Selma’s leadership could catalyze action and cooperation in a way that brought tangible comfort to those in pain. That’s a rare gift,” said Kathy Keene, chair of the Salem Health Board of Trustees, in a statement.
Pierce twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for a state House seat covering west Salem and Monmouth against Democrat state Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth.
She also served as a legislative aide to state Sen. Jackie Winters in 2019 and worked on her husband’s campaign in his 2016 bid for governor.
Pierce was known for her involvement in charitable activities, such as helping organize events to provide free dental care for underserved people. She was on the board of directors of the Chemeketa Community College Foundation, the Inspire Foundation, the Salem Leadership Foundation and the Marion-Polk Dental Society.
On Twitter, Evans asked people to send the Pierce family sympathy and warm thoughts.
“Truth be told, I’m still stunned. We were political adversaries but never enemies: she was a dedicated public servant who left our community far better off as a direct result of her charity and philanthropy work,” Evans wrote.
Salem Keizer School District Superintendent Christy Perry wrote on Twitter that “Selma was a champion for children and a steadfast supporter of our community. She will be missed so much!”
Legislators from across the state mourned her passing.
Outgoing Congressman Greg Walden, R-Hood River, extended his sympathies to Bud Pierce in a post on Twitter.
“Selma brightened the room & warmed the hearts of those around her. Selma cared deeply about improving her community & helping those in need. Oregon has lost a compassionate and caring soul,” he wrote.
State Rep. Cheri Helt, R-Bend, said Pierce’s dedication to her family, the community and those in need was an inspiration to her.
“Tonight, I am reminded of just how fragile and precious the gift of life is, as Oregon and the Pierce family have lost a bright and shining star this evening. Selma Pierce was a beautiful, smart, compassionate and inspiring woman,” Helt wrote on Twitter.
Have a tip? Contact reporter Saphara Harrell at 503-549-6250, [email protected].
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