Search for Lost Dog Ends in Traffic Death

PHOTO: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office

(SALEM, Oregon) - A 26-year old Salem man died this morning after being struck by a vehicle as he walked in the roadway near his home, looking for his lost dog.

Deputies were called to the scene in the 5400 block of MacLeay Road in Salem at 7:02am this morning. Upon arrival, they found Joseph A. Bartone lying in the culvert on the south side of the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Deputies learned from Mr. Bartone's family that he and other family members were walking along MacLeay Road looking for their lost dog. It was dark at the time and there are few lights along the rural roadway. It was raining hard and Mr. Bartone did not have a flashlight and was not wearing reflective clothing.

At the same time, a 2005 Mini Cooper, driven by Ronald J. Butcher, 56, of Silverton was traveling westbound on MacLeay Road. Mr. Butcher came upon Mr. Bartone, but was unable to avoid striking him. Butcher immediately stopped and notified the Sheriff's Office. Investigators located Bartone's dog at the crash scene; he was also struck and killed by the Mini Cooper. The speed limit on MacLeay road is 45 miles per hour in this area.

While conducting the investigation, deputies were approached by another driver who reported seeing Bartone in the road minutes before he was struck. That driver reported that she narrowly missed hitting him as he stood in the middle of the road. The Traffic Safety Team's CRASH unit is conducting a complete investigation. The official cause of the crash will be released when that investigation is complete.

News Release from: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office