Family Members Find Fatal Crash Scene South of Oregon City

Highway 213 was closed until about 11:00 AM.

Photos: Marion County Sheriff

(MOLALLA, Ore.) - A Molalla-area man died early Friday morning in a single vehicle crash on Highway 213. Police say it happened about 1/4 mile north of Spangler Road south of Oregon City. The victim was found by family members after he failed to arrive at work this morning.

Investigators say that around 8:00 AM, the victim's red 1997 Chevrolet Blazer was found about 35 feet off Highway 213 near milepost 8 in a creek. The lone occupant, 26-year old Mark Lester Salvetti of Molalla, reportedly left for work in Oregon City about 4:30 AM and failed to arrive.

Family members contacted Molalla Police Department to report that Mr. Salvetti was missing. As family and co-workers were checking along Highway 213, they spotted his sport utility vehicle off the road in about 3 feet of water on its wheels.

Preliminary investigation indicates that Mr, Salvetti was northbound on Highway 213 and drove off the right shoulder, through a fence and into the creek. He was using safety restraints and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Story continues below

Highway conditions were reported icy at the time and may have been a contributing factor.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Portland Area Command are completing the investigation. The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Molalla Police Department, Clackamas County Fire District, and ODOT assisted at the scene.

Highway 213 was closed until about 11:00 AM.