Tim King in Critical Condition After Motorcycle Crash

(SALEM, Ore.) - Tim King, owner of Salem Ghost Tours and former Executive Editor of Salem-News.com was involved in a serious motorcycle crash about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Sept 30. He was hospitalized in critical condition and remains in ICU at this hour.

Tim was driving north on Commercial St in Salem, Oregon, when a car pulled out of a driveway directly into his lane. Witnesses say he swerved to miss the vehicle but the vehicle also swerved the same direction, and he crashed into that car as well as another vehicle sitting in the middle turn lane for Dairy Queen.

The police investigation is underway and details will be updated when they are confirmed.

Tim’s injuries include many broken bones, internal injuries and lacerations. He underwent emergency splenectomy surgery soon after arrival at Salem Hospital. On Thursday his left leg was amputated. These surgeries were successful, but were a great strain on him and his health continues to be very fragile. He is being given Dialysis to assist his kidneys.

A father of five boys and a grandfather, Tim has a huge universe of family, extended family, and innumerable friends. He has been an active participant in their lives while balancing his passions which basically boil down to helping people seek justice and end oppression throughout the world.

Tim is an experienced motorcycle rider, with over 40 years “under his belt”, and his yellow Ducati sport bike is his pride and joy. He is well known to be an excellent rider and has proved as much by his motorcycle ride across the United States for Veterans awareness.

A News photographer and a published author with many News awards to his credit, Tim and I share honored journalistic recognition from BikePAC of Oregon, the Oregon Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs and National Coalition of Motorcycle Clubs.

The doctors have been fighting for his life. We are hoping for the best. The next few hours are dire for Tim.

We, the family of Tim King, want to say thank you to everyone for their support and kind words in these traumatic times. We know people don’t know where to put their love right now or how to help, so a GoFundMe has been set up to help with unforeseen expenses, and Pastor Zane Ridings has organized a Meal Train for the family.

More information will follow, as the crash investigation unfolds and Tim’s health is less precarious. God willing.

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Josh Akers October 9, 2020 1:42 am (Pacific time)

Very sad to hear this news... My interactions with tim were always very uplifting and he made me feel like I was a part of something greater than myself. I have been out of contact with SNC and Tim for many years now for no real reason other than life. My heart goes out to his children, loved ones and friends. We all must face death eventually and the deaths of our loved ones, but it is how we choose to live which is unique and what type of impacts we have on those around us. Almost all of us aspire toward the types of causes that Tim championed but far fewer of us can say we have really impacted these causes and Tim is someone we all know has made big impacts in many different causes and for many, many years. It really is hard to lose anyone who is dedicated to Truth, Justice and Peace... May they always prevail.

Anonymous October 6, 2020 8:12 pm (Pacific time)

Lost a good friend

Krista October 6, 2020 10:13 am (Pacific time)

I am so sorry Tim and King Family this is extremely heartbreaking. Tim was an inspiration and true role model he will be greatly missed

Dexter October 6, 2020 7:11 am (Pacific time)

One is absolutely devastated hearing this news . One of the nicest , most passionate (when it comes to news) people you could ever meet. This guy would move the earth for you , and help you out as much as possible . Considered as a close friend, and an outstanding work colleague. Sadly Tim is the third person who I have known closely relating to working with the Media (News), that have sadly passed away in the last two years. He always had an upbeat personality, with incredible energy when it came to News, even on bad days. Will miss his rather humorous comments against negative comments on his stories, which use to give Bonnie a huge headache (I can still see her eyes rolling now , followed by a face plant of disbelief. I will miss him dearly ...completely gutted . I feel like one has lost a close family member here . My deepest condolences towards his family, who also have been an amazing lot in the past . God speed Tim .

Stacey October 5, 2020 3:39 pm (Pacific time)

Miss ya brother. Peace

Greg Stilwell October 5, 2020 12:06 pm (Pacific time)

Sad news indeed. Praying for Tim and the family.

Jerry West October 4, 2020 3:43 pm (Pacific time)

Hang in there, Marine

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