Selma Pierce, a retired dentist, community leader and former candidate for the Oregon House of Representatives, died Tuesday after being struck by a vehicle on a Salem road.
Pierce was 66 years old.
Police officers believe Pierce was walking on the road when the SUV struck her. The incident occurred at about 5 p.m. near Doaks Ferry Road Northwest and Hidden Valley Drive Northwest, according to the Salem Police Department. The driver of the Chevrolet SUV that struck Pierce remained at the scene and was cooperating with police.
“Selma Pierce, the glue of the Pierce family, an angel of a person , the only woman that I have ever loved, died this evening in a sudden and tragic accident,” her husband Bud Pierce wrote on Facebook. “We cannot believe that she has left us, but we are comforted in the knowledge that she is with God, and we will see her again.”
Selma Pierce was an active volunteer in the community and ran twice for a seat in the Oregon statehouse, challenging Democratic incumbent Rep. Paul Evans in 2018 and 2020. Evans defeated Pierce in both races. Pierce also worked in the state Capitol with the late Sen. Jackie Winters, R-Salem, and was active in her husband’s 2018 campaign for governor.
Bud Pierce, a Salem oncologist, ran for governor against Kate Brown in 2016.
Selma Pierce’s death happened one day after her husband declared he would again be vying for the governor’s seat in 2022.
House Republican Leader Christine Drazan, of Canby, said in a statement the news was devastating.
“We are profoundly saddened by this sudden loss of our friend and community leader. Selma dedicated her life to serving people. She touched the lives of thousands through volunteer dental work to at-risk populations, service on local education foundations, and her and her husband Bud’s generous support of countless community organizations,” Drazan said.
Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, echoed Drazan in a statement saying Pierce was a person “who always put others before herself.”
“She cared deeply for those in need. Selma loved to smile and always searched for ways to make life better for others,” Courtney said. “She was very devoted to her family. I can’t imagine Salem without her. My heart goes out to her husband Bud and her children, Kristina and Michael.”