A beloved teacher at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Seattle has died after being struck by a recycling truck while communiting from work on 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., less than two miles from the school where he taught. 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 a company vehicle and driver were involved.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Christian Salyer, who was critically injured in a collision Monday involving a Recology King County collection truck,” said Recology spokesman Robert Reed in an email statement. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
“Safety is our highest priority,” Reed said. “We are cooperating fully with the Seattle Police Department as they work to determine exactly what happened. The investigation remains ongoing.”
Several news reports as well as district officials painted Salyer, known to his students as Mr. S., as a beloved 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.”
Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner echoed that grief: “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Christian Salyer. Our deepest condolences are with his family, students, and colleagues,” Shuldiner said in an email statement. Shuldiner said Salyer’s “lasting impact will be felt for years to come.
“We send our sincerest thoughts for comfort to Christian’s loved ones and the entire SPS community as we attempt to navigate this profound loss,” he said.
In the days since Salyer’s 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.
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.
