Salem, OR (July 28, 2025) – A 66-year-old man was killed on Saturday morning after being struck by a train in Southeast Salem, according to the Salem Police Department. The tragic incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. near the intersection of McGilchrist Street SE and Pringle Road SE.
Police say Robert Ivar Jeffers, a Salem resident, was walking along the railroad tracks when the collision occurred. Despite the Union Pacific train crew’s efforts to slow down and alert him, the train was unable to stop in time. Jeffers was pronounced dead at the scene.
Union Pacific employees immediately contacted emergency services after the collision. Officers responded swiftly, securing the area and coordinating with rail officials to manage the investigation. The train remained at the scene for several hours as authorities examined the circumstances of the incident.
East and westbound traffic was closed between McGilchrist St and Mill St SE until approximately 2:30 p.m., when the train was cleared to proceed.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Robert Ivar Jeffers during this deeply difficult time.
Train-Pedestrian Fatalities in Oregon Communities
Tragic train-related fatalities like Saturday’s incident in Salem underscore the dangers associated with pedestrian access to active railway lines. Though many residents walk near or across tracks out of convenience or familiarity, such areas remain highly dangerous, even when trains appear distant.
In urban and suburban parts of Oregon, pedestrian-train collisions frequently result in fatal outcomes due to the size, weight, and stopping limitations of freight locomotives. Trains can require over a mile to stop fully, even after emergency braking is applied, leaving very little margin for human error.
Rail operators and municipalities work together to install fencing, warning signage, and public awareness campaigns, but train track areas remain inherently unsafe for pedestrians. Areas like McGilchrist St SE, which intersect key industrial corridors, often lack protective infrastructure and can become accidental crossing points for unaware or distracted individuals.
Losing a loved one in a train accident leaves families facing sudden grief, unanswered questions, and a host of administrative challenges. These tragedies often require thorough investigations involving multiple agencies and demand respectful but diligent follow-up to understand what occurred.
If your family has experienced the loss of a loved one in a train accident like the one that took Robert Ivar Jeffers’ life, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We offer compassionate assistance by connecting families with vital resources, including legal guidance, grief counseling, and case support. Reach out to Local Accident Reports today to take that first step toward understanding and healing.
