Yesterday, July 3rd, 2021, at approximately 4:20 p.m., a 911 caller reported a serious injury crash on River Road S at Riverside Drive S just outside of Independence. When first responders arrived at the scene they determined two vehicles had been involved, a 2006 Kawasaki motorcycle and a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. Tragically, the rider of the motorcycle did not survive the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Volkswagen was not injured and remained at the scene.
The deceased motorcycle rider has been identified as Jason Maghan, 40, of Salem. The driver of the involved Volkswagen Jetta has been identified as Sidney Rabun, 21, of Jefferson.
Investigators from the Marion County multi-agency Crash Team responded to assist with processing the scene of the crash. Based upon the preliminary investigation, investigators learned before the crash the Volkswagen had been traveling north on Riverside Drive S. As the driver of the Volkswagen was making a left turn onto River Road it was struck by the motorcycle which was traveling eastbound on River Road. Initial information leads investigators to believe the speed of the motorcycle was a contributing factor in the crash. River Road was closed for approximately four hours while investigators processed the scene.
This holiday weekend there are many additional vehicles on roadways throughout Marion County. The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind drivers to use safe driving habits by obeying the speed limit, avoiding unnecessary distractions while driving, and using a designated driver if choosing to drink at one of the many events occurring throughout the local community.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted during this response by the Independence Police Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Keizer Police Department, Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office, Marion County District Attorney’s Office, and the Polk County Fire District.
The crash is still under investigation, no additional information is available for release at this time.