Tragedy in Selma: Ray Wilder Killed in Heartbreaking Hit-and-Run on Hogue Drive

Selma, OR – The peaceful streets of Selma were shattered late Tuesday evening when 62-year-old Ray Arnold Wilder lost his life in a devastating hit-and-run accident.
According to the Oregon State Police, the fatal crash occurred around 8:46 p.m. on September 30, in the 100 block of Hogue Drive. Investigators confirmed that Wilder, a longtime resident of Selma, was struck by a passing vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses described a scene of chaos and disbelief as emergency crews arrived, only to find that the driver responsible for the crash had fled. The tragic loss of life left the tight-knit Selma community heartbroken — a senseless act that has since sparked an urgent police investigation and a plea for public assistance.

Suspect Vehicles Flee Scene — Search for Answers Intensifies

Authorities reported that two vehicles, a red truck and a white 4Runner or similar SUV with a black canopy, were seen speeding away from the scene shortly after the collision. Witnesses stated that the same vehicles appeared to drive past the area again just minutes later, a chilling detail that has only deepened the heartbreak and outrage surrounding the case.

The suspect vehicle is believed to have front-end damage and possibly a broken windshield, suggesting the collision caused significant impact. Investigators with the Oregon State Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, calling this incident “a tragic and preventable loss.”

“This was someone’s friend, neighbor, and loved one — and someone out there knows what happened,” one officer said at the scene.

Those with information are encouraged to contact OSP’s Southern Command Center Dispatch at 800-442-2068 or dial **OSP (677) from a mobile phone, referencing case number SP25-422785. Every detail, no matter how small, could help bring justice for Ray Wilder and his grieving family.

Community in Mourning — Remembering Ray Wilder’s Life and Legacy

Ray Wilder was known around Selma as a kind, hardworking, and gentle man, someone who would help his neighbors without hesitation and always had a smile to share. The news of his death has rippled through the community, leaving family and friends devastated by the sudden and senseless tragedy.

“Ray was the type of person who looked out for others,” a neighbor shared through tears. “He didn’t deserve this. No one does.”

In the days following the accident, residents of Selma have begun leaving flowers and candles near the site on Hogue Drive — a small but powerful gesture of remembrance for a man whose life was unfairly taken. Local groups have also been calling for improved street lighting and stronger enforcement of reckless driving laws to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As investigators continue their search for the driver responsible, one thing is certain: the Selma community will not rest until justice is served. Ray Wilder’s name will not be forgotten — his memory now serves as a reminder of how fragile life can be and how every act of carelessness on the road can change countless lives forever.