2026-01-15 Salem Police Traffic Team Investigates First Fatal Motorcycle Crash of 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: December 16, 2025
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | [email protected]

SALEM, Ore. - At 10:03 a.m. on January 15, 2026, there was a fatal vehicle versus motorcycle crash at the intersection of Hines and 18th Streets SE. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the motorcyclist, Sean Elliott Mobley, 37, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Mobley was riding 2018 Honda motorcycle, while the other driver, a 28-year-old male, was operating a 2018 Honda sport utility vehicle. Both vehicles had come off of Mission Street SE and were traveling westbound on Hines Street SE. The motorcycle rider began accelerating to pass the two vehicles when the SUV turned left at 18th Street SE, resulting in a collision.

The Salem Police Traffic Team was called out and took over the investigation. The driver of the SUV remained on scene and cooperated with investigators. At this time, no arrests have been made, and no citations have been issued. The roadway was closed for approximately two and a half hours for the investigation. The investigation remains on going.

Mobley's next of kin has been notified. This incident marks the first traffic-related fatality of 2026, resulting in one death.

For further inquiries, please contact the Salem Police Communications Office.

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