A Canby man died Saturday evening in a single-vehicle crash that occurred about a half-mile east of the entrance to Champoeg State Park.
Austin Piert, 24, left the roadway on Champoeg Road NE while navigating a curve and struck a tree, according to a spokesman for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Piert was pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles or people were involved.
Austin was an athlete at Canby High School and a graduate from Linfield College in McMinnville who had recently moved back to Canby. On his Facebook page, those who knew him remembered him as a great friend who was always cheerful and smiling.
“Austin Piert was one of my best friends I ever had,” one wrote. “I have so many memories with him and it’s unbelievable that he has passed away. Everyone who knew him knew how lucky they were to be his friend.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Photo by Rick Obst.
