Turner, OR (January 21, 2026) – Two people were killed and two others injured in a single-vehicle crash that occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, January 18, on SE Turner Rd, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash was reported around 2:30 a.m. near the area of SE Turner Rd and SE Crawford St. Responding deputies and emergency crews discovered a black Kia that had overturned and come to rest in a roadside ditch. The force of the crash caused devastating consequences for the four occupants inside.
Tragically, 20-year-old Perla Nieto of Silverton and a 16-year-old girl were pronounced dead at the scene. A third occupant, identified as 24-year-old Elias Ramirez-Perez of Salem, was transported to Salem Hospital with serious injuries. An 8-year-old child who was also in the vehicle was taken to the same hospital as a precaution. Fortunately, the child did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
Authorities closed SE Turner Rd for approximately five hours as investigators processed the scene and worked to determine what led to the fatal crash. Early findings suggest that speed may have been a contributing factor, according to Sgt. Jeremy Schwab of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The direction of travel and the identity of the driver are still under investigation.
Family members of Perla Nieto have created online fundraisers to assist with funeral expenses, remembering her as a bright and selfless young woman with a joyful spirit. “She was a beautiful soul, inside and out… Perla had a laugh you could never miss and a presence that made every room brighter,” one tribute read.
This marks the second fatal crash reported in the Salem area in 2026, underscoring ongoing concerns about roadway safety in the region.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Perla Nieto and the young teen who lost their lives, and we send our heartfelt wishes for healing to those recovering from this heartbreaking tragedy.
