Silverton Man Killed in Thursday Morning Crash Was Watchman at Capital Manor

The staff and residents of the retirement facility in West Salem are still in shock and disbelief that one of their own was killed by a suspected drunk driver

Capital Manor in West Salem Photo Courtesy: Salem Library

(SALEM) - A Thursday morning crash in Polk County, at the intersection of Highway 99W and Highway 22, claimed the life of 67-year-old Edward Douglas from Silverton who, for the past 4-years, had been a well loved night watchman at Capital Manor.

Capital Manor Executive Director Scott Ferguson said the staff and residents are still in shock over Douglas` death. `The residents loved him, he would take the extra time just to sit and talk with them about anything, this is a HUGE loss for everyone here" Ferguson said.

Staff members said they appreciated and respected Douglas because when it was dark outside, he would watch them to make sure they made it safely to and from their cars.

As one staff member put it, `he was one of the good guys".

22-year-old Jonathan Orsborn from Dallas remains in the Polk County Jail on charges of Criminally Negligent Homicide, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Assault in the Fourth Degree.

OSP spokesman Lt. Gregg Hastings said Orsborn, who was allegedly drunk at the time of the accident, was driving a 1977 Chevrolet pickup southbound on Highway 99W when it entered the intersection at Highway 22 against a red traffic signal.

According to witnesses, the pickup failed to stop and crashed into the driver`s side of Douglas` 1999 Ford Escort, which was traveling eastbound.

The pickup's passenger, 37-year-old Brett Stout, from Dallas, was not using safety restraints and had a minor injury but refused medical treatment.

Douglas, who was wearing safety restraints, was pronounced dead at the scene.