The community of Rainier, Oregon is reeling after a tragic accident on Highway 30 resulted in the deaths of two local residents. According to KPTV, the collision occurred on July 26th when a Kia Soul attempting a left turn into the Valley Veterinary Clinic was rear-ended by a GMC Sierra, subsequently being thrust into oncoming traffic. The Kia was then hit head-on by a Dodge Journey, leading to the fatalities of Bridget Ann Connell, 54, and Nyx Ariel Connell, 47, both from Scappoose.
In a statement obtained by KGW, The Valley Veterinary Clinic staff had previously warned the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) about the danger of this particular stretch of Highway 30. In a letter addressed to ODOT, the clinic lamented the lack of action taken to prevent such tragedies, emphasizing their years of effort to advocate for a turn lane after "numerous crashes," one of which took clients and their puppy's lives at "highway speeds."
William Eugene Howard, the driver of the GMC, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital along with Jennifer Lynn Huff, the Dodge driver, and her two passengers, including a 10-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy who also sustained minor injuries, as mentioned in the OSP report published by The Chronicle. Highway 30 saw closures for approximately six hours due to the crash.
In a KGW interview, Kelley D'Agrosa Jewell, a member of the Valley Veterinary Clinic's staff, voiced her dismay and frustration. "I'm furious, I'm disgusted, my staff is traumatized — they shouldn't have to deal with that," she said, alluding to the horrific scene they encountered. A military veteran staff member who was among the first at the crash tried to help the casualties, yet sadly they could not save the deceased couple's dog that initially survived the impact.
As the OSP continues to investigate the cause and circumstances of the crash, many in Rainier eagerly await measures that might prevent future losses. An official with ODOT has promised a statement regarding the event in the coming week, as the outcry from the community and the Valley Veterinary Clinic suggests that this event was not just a tragedy, but a preventable one.
