A Heartbreaking Loss on St. Louis Road: Remembering Juan Garibo

Marion County, OR — The Marion County community is reeling after a devastating DUI crash claimed the life of 27-year-old Juan Garibo of Salem. The single-vehicle rollover accident occurred on September 29 near the 7200 block of St. Louis Road NE, leaving one dead and two others seriously injured. Authorities say the driver, Wilfrido Giron-Cortes Jr., 33, of Woodburn, was heavily intoxicated at the time of the crash and has since been arrested on multiple charges, including Manslaughter I, DUII, and Assault II.

A Life Cut Short Too Soon

Juan Garibo’s death has left his loved ones and the Salem community shattered. Described as a kind-hearted young man with a bright future ahead, Juan’s life was cut short in a moment that could have been prevented. He was rushed to Salem Hospital by air after the crash but tragically did not survive his injuries. At just 27 years old, Juan had so much life to live, so many dreams to chase, and so many memories left to make with his family and friends. Now, instead of planning for his future, his loved ones are facing the unimaginable reality of saying goodbye far too soon.

The accident not only claimed Juan’s life but also left two others with serious injuries—one with a broken neck and another with a severe leg injury. The ripple effects of this tragedy extend far beyond a single family, shaking an entire community to its core.

A Preventable Tragedy and a Sobering Reminder

Investigators determined that Giron-Cortes had been drinking before the accident, with a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit. Multiple open containers were found inside the truck, a chilling reminder of the dangers of reckless choices behind the wheel. Authorities confirmed that Giron-Cortes lost control of his Ford Ranger pickup, causing it to roll over on the roadside.

This devastating loss is a stark reminder of how drunk driving can shatter lives in an instant. What began as a night of recklessness ended in tragedy, leaving one family grieving, two others fighting to recover, and a community mourning yet another life stolen by impaired driving.

Seeking Justice and Honoring Juan’s Memory

On October 2, 2025, Wilfrido Giron-Cortes was arrested and is now facing serious charges, including Manslaughter, DUII, Assault, and Reckless Driving. He is scheduled for arraignment at the Marion County Court Annex on October 3, 2025. While legal justice may come, it cannot bring back Juan or erase the pain of his loved ones.

The Salem and Marion County communities now unite in grief, offering love, prayers, and support to Juan’s family. His memory will live on through those who knew him best, who remember his laughter, his kindness, and the warmth he brought into every room.

As candles are lit and vigils held, the community calls for greater awareness about the devastating consequences of impaired driving. For Juan’s family, justice is only part of the healing—what truly matters is that his life, though tragically short, will never be forgotten.