On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, our lives were shattered by the tragic loss of our son, Elijah Jung. He was killed in a car accident on Gibson Road in West Salem, a place that is now a painful reminder of the senseless tragedy that took him from us far too soon.

Elijah was a bright, loving, and vibrant young man with a spirit that touched everyone he met. He was known for his kindness, humbleness and passion. He had so much life ahead of him, and we are heartbroken that he will not get to live it.

In the midst of our grief, we want to create a lasting legacy for Elijah—one that helps heal our community and prevents another family from experiencing this same pain. This fundraiser is dedicated to bringing about real, tangible change to Gibson Road in West Salem.

Our goals are to:

* Rename Gibson Road to a name that honors Elijah and serves as a symbol of hope and renewal for our community. We believe a new name can help us all move forward.

* Fund a professional traffic study and implement safety improvements on Gibson Road. We are determined to make this road safer for every driver, biker, and pedestrian. Your donations will go towards funding solutions like enhanced lighting, signage or other.

* Establish the Elijah Jung Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student(s) in the West Salem High School Class of 2026, the class Elijah would have been a part of. The scholarship will honor his memory by supporting a student who embodies Elijah's kind spirit.

* Support other community-focused activities that will benefit local youth and families in Salem, ensuring Elijah's light continues to shine through acts of kindness and support.

We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received from our community. Now, we ask for your help to turn our grief into a movement for positive change. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to making Gibson road safer and ensuring Elijah's memory lives on.

Thank you for helping us honor our son and protect our community.

With deepest gratitude,

The Jung Family

MealTrain funds graciously contributed by friends, family, and members of the community will be combined with the funds received from this campaign.