A local high school student was killed in a two-vehicle crash on South Mulino Road near Blundell Road Friday morning.
Canby Fire Chief Jim Davis was first on the scene and found a black Acura SUV lying on its side and a maroon sedan with heavy damage to the driver’s side, with the 16-year-old driver still inside.
Canby firefighters had to use hydraulic tools to remove the roof and doors of the sedan to extract the teen driver. Sadly, he suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Acura, a 17-year-old who was not identified, was taken to the hospital for treatment of unknown injuries. Two children in the sedan, ages 12 and 10, sustained minor injuries and were transported by Canby Fire to a trauma care facility for treatment.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office told The Canby Current the Acura was attempting to pass another vehicle on Mulino Road when it collided with the oncoming sedan, according to witness statements. The area where the crash occurred is a no-passing zone, photos from the scene show.
The kids in the sedan were on their way to school at Country Christian in Molalla. Their father later said in a public Facebook post that his son swerved to the side of the road at the last moment — lessening the impact and likely saving the lives of his two younger brothers.
“They were able to walk away with only minor physical scratches and bruises,” he wrote. “They are home and resting. We are so blessed with the outpouring of love and support from our community. At this point, we have lots of food and are not in need of much. What we do need is your continued prayers and love as we mourn the loss of our son.”
A witness at the scene told the Current that a passer-by stopped and put the kids in his truck while they waited for emergency responders. It was raining heavily at the time.
The crash occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. South Mulino Road was closed for several hours as crash investigators worked the scene, reopening around 1:30 p.m.
The Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Criminal Reconstruction and Forensic Technicians (CRAFT) team also responded to document the scene, conduct witness interviews and collect and process evidence. Clackamas Road Department and Canby Police assisted with traffic control.
Memorials and remembrances of the slain teen poured in on social media throughout Friday and Saturday.
“He was a straight-A student who loved Jesus and took his job as a big brother very seriously,” one family friend wrote. “Kind, tender-hearted like his mom and dedicated to hard work and taking responsibility like his dad.”
Canby High School Principal Greg Dinse informed the school community about the tragedy in an email Friday, pointing families to the Clackamas County 24-Hour Crisis and Support Line at 503-655-8585 and other resources.
The 17-year-old driver is a student at Canby High School, while the 16-year-old was a former CHS student attending Country Christian this year.
“Our high school administrators and counselors from schools across the district gathered at the high school to support any students and staff throughout the day who needed assistance,” Dinse said.
“As we head into the weekend, we realize students may continue to need support. … Our counselors will be available again on Monday to provide continued support.”
The City of Canby also responded to the incident on Twitter Friday afternoon, directing those needing assistance to the Clackamas County crisis line or the confidential teen text line at 839863.
“The City of Canby is broken-hearted for all involved in the fatal accident on Mulino Road,” officials said. “We are thankful for the first responders who reacted quickly to provide aid.”
Canby state Representative Christine Drazan expressed her heartache in a Facebook post.
“Our close-knit community has been shaken today with the tragic news of a local high school student who was killed in a car accident this morning,” Drazan wrote. “My deepest condolences to the families that are hurting.”
The incident is still under investigation, and the sheriff’s office is seeking additional information.
Anyone with information regarding the fatal crash is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form. Please reference CCSO case no. 21-025118.
Mental Health and Crisis Support Resources
Clackamas County/Crisis Mental Health Services: 503-655-8585 (Emergency) / 503-742-5335 (Non-Emergency)
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
National Alliance on Mental Illness: Text NAMI to 741741
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+): 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
Oregonyouthline.org: 1-877-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839863