Update: Second Person Dies Following 9/24/14 Fatal Traffic Crash - Interstate 5 in Salem
The investigation continues and no enforcement decision has been made yet
(SALEM, Ore) — UPDATE #2:Confirmed Fatality in Single Vehicle v. Pedestrian Accident in Salem
Oregon State Police confirmed this morning through Salem Hospital that passenger , Cary Marie Fairchild age 64, from Portland, died at the hospital where she has been treated since the September 24, 2014 traffic crash.
The investigation continues and no enforcement decision has been made yet.
Previously released information information indicates on September 24, 2014 at approximately 7:50 a.m., a 2005 Ford Ranger pickup driven by Michael Lippman age 53, from SE Salem, was northbound in heavy rain conditions when it collided into the left side of a tanker trailer.
The pickup then crossed the raised grass center median into the southbound lanes where it collided head-on with a 1993 Nissan Sentra two-door with two occupants.
Two other southbound vehicles, a 2002 Dodge Dakota pickup and a 1997 Toyota pickup, were involved in the collision.
The Nissan's driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.
He is identified as , Steven Edward Fritz age 54, from SW Portland. He is the husband of Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz and an employee at the Oregon State Hospital in Salem.
A 64-year old female passenger in the Nissan, Cary Marie Fairchild, age 64, from SW Portland, was critically injured and transported by ambulance to Salem Hospital.
She is also an employee of the Oregon State Hospital and was in critical condition until her death.
Lippman was also transported to Salem Hospital with minor injuries and was treated and released. He is cooperating with the investigation.
Two males in the Toyota pickup were taken to Salem Hospital with minor injuries. Their names are not available at this time.
A second minor collision involving two other vehicles occurred north of the initial crash scene that was unrelated to the fatal crash.
OSP troopers from the Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation.
There is no evidence of alcohol or drugs as a contributing factor.
Senior Trooper Doug Brown is the lead investigator.
OSP was assisted at the scene by several agencies including Salem Police Department, Salem Fire Department, Marion County Sheriff's Office, Keizer Police Department, Woodburn Police Department, ODOT, Salem Environmental Services, and Marion County District Attorney's Office.
One lane was open during the investigation and all lanes opened at 11:00 a.m.
Video from the scene from Salem News Journal photographer Jerry Freeman:
