A beloved teacher at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Seattle has died after being struck by a recycling truck while riding his bicycle on Monday afternoon, June 1.
Christian Salyer, 30, was hit at the busy intersection of 12th Avenue and Yesler Way just after 4:30 p.m. Seattle Fire responded and transported him to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition. Salyer’s death was confirmed on June 3rd.
The truck involved was operated by Recology, a San Francisco waste and recycling company. In a statement, a Recology spokesperson confirmed the vehicle and driver were involved and said the company is cooperating with authorities to determine what happened.
Several news reports painted Salyer, known to his students as Mr. S., as a well-known member of the Thurgood Marshall community. The school’s principal,Julie Breidenbach, wrote to parents on Tuesday: “Christian was a dedicated teacher who served our school with passion and care for many years. His warmth, dedication, and commitment to education will be deeply missed.”
In the days since his death, parents have left flowers at a tree near the school entrance where Salyer used to greet students each morning. The school community is planning ways to honor his memory, including when students return in the fall. The intersection where he was killed is just under two miles from the school where he taught.
On Tuesday, an online fundraiser was posted to support the Salyer family.
“The Salyer family recently experienced an unimaginable loss when their beloved son, Christian, passed away in a tragic accident,” the fundraising notes say. “This heartbreaking event has left their family and friends in deep sorrow, and the suddenness of this loss has brought with it many unexpected challenges. As they navigate this difficult time, the Salyer family is surrounded by a community that cares deeply and wants to help in any way possible.”
Money raised by the online campaign will go toward “meals for the family, funeral expenses, logistics, and many unforeseen costs that arise when a loved one is lost so suddenly.” As of Wednesday evening, the campaign had received nearly $68,000 in donations.
