Arrest made in crash that took the life of Myrtle Creek woman
Oregon state Police have arrested a woman who was involved in the crash that killed Chelsea Duffy, 22, of Myrtle Creek.
Troopers arrested Valorie K. Carrigan, 36, at a Philomath area house after she was indicted by a grand jury.
Carrigan is being charged with first degree manslaughter, second degree assault and failure to perform the duties of a driver.
Authorities say that in September of 2012, Carrigan was driving eastbound on Highway 34 near Corvallis. They say Carrigan tried to change lanes in front of Duffy's vehicle and struck the right front section of Duffy's car, causing it to lose control.
Duffy's car went into the oncoming lane and collided head-on with another vehicle.
Duffy was pronounced deceased at the scene and the driver of the other vehicle, Larry Dodge, 52, of Shedd, was seriously injured.
Carrigan was lodged in the Linn County Jail.
I`ve sat shotgun on these roads with a person who can`t stand being stuck behind another vehicle. even if they`re going the speed limit or even faster, It doesn`t matter if  it`s a curvy road or rainy or icy. It doesn`t matter what traffic conditions are in the opposite direction. He endangers not only his life but mine also as well everyone else on the road for his impatience. He figures that since he`s never gotten into a wreck that he`s bullet proof. The only thing that`s scarier than this person is that every time I`m on these roads I run into someone else just like him. This lady took this young woman`s life! WHY?? To save a few seconds. That`s it! My heart goes out to the loved ones of the victim. I don`t forgive like I used to. It`s too enabling to people who would thoughtlessly harm others. I hope this woman lives a miserable life equal to life she took from this innocent girl and the pain that she has caused to each and every one of her loved ones. Oregon roads although beautiful, are very unforgiving. Be patient and be vigilent and live to see another day.Â
Why did it take so long to arrest her?
My heart breaks for the Duffy family. My Mother & I were in Roseburg mid-September for my Step-Father's ("Bonus Dad's) memorial. While having dinner out, we had the pleasure of meeting Zeza (Chelsea's baby girl). She and her aunt were picking up dinner to go. We struck up a conversation with both of them after letting Zeza know that we thought she was such a great dancer (it was a Mexican restaurant, & she liked the background music). Her aunt then shared the horrific story of this sweet little angel losing her Mommy way too soon. I then discovered that I had attended UCC with Zeza's Grandparents. That night, our grief of recently losing a loved one seemed a bit lighter but bittersweet...realizing that we'd always have our memories...but devastated for this sweet little baby girl who would be too young to have any memories of her beautiful Mother. Sending prayers to Zeza and the Duffy family. God bless!
Like I said Chelsea is my wifes cousin and I know the whole story! This lady was just being plain impatient and stupid while driving and caused Chelsea to wreck! Then she kept driving and some guy had to chase her down and stop her! And I agree this doesn't bring Chelsea back, but at least they have some closure! R.I.P chelsea! We love you girl:)
Don't be so quick to judge, I agree she should be held accountable and am devastated for the Duffy family BUT I consider myself a good driver and just yesterday I went to change lanes and thought I had checked thoroughly that there were no cars beside me and when I went to switch lanes I had missed seeing the car beside me and almost hit them. Thank God I was able to safely get back in my lane with no incident but it could easily happen to anyone and we need to all remember that. Maybe there are more detais about her driving that I don't know about, just wanting to remind everyone that accidents happen to good people also and it's very sad for both sides...
Amen^. I know everyone is out for blood and "justice" but whether or not they charged this woman, "justice" isn't being achieved. Don't get me wrong, we all make decisions/actions and reap the consequences, but unless you were there to witness it, you don't know what happened. Lastly, free yourself from the mob mentality. RIP Chelsea...
In court time, it really wasn't that long. There are trials for people that happen 2 or more years after the crime was committed. The worst part is that no matter what happens, Chelsea will never be back. No amount of "justice" will undo that.
about time is all I got to say!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heartbreaking for the Duffy family to have to have all this drug up! But I have to say, this woman has a "I don't give a S***!" Look on her face!! I hope they don't release her because there is no room!!
took them long enough...but glad the family will finally see this ladys day in court. She seems like a careless driver. She deserves to be charged with this young womans death. Just hoping the system does right by it.
Kira, a grand jury had to decide if there was enough evidence to go to trial before she could be charged.
The grand jury just got done with the investigation and decided to charge her. I agree it took too long..
Finally Justice For Chelsea Denea Duffy
I totally agree Kira! It's a bunch of BS!!!
my question is why in the hell is she JUST NOW getting arrested for this? She should have been arrested and charged when this happened back in september!! I find it irritating that the Duffy family has had to wait this long for justice. But thats our judicial system for ya!
sad all the way around.
:(
Good, I'm glad she got arrested! Chelsea was a great person and mom! She's also my wifes cousin:(
My heart is heavy for the Duffy family today... I'm sure this brings up a lot of emotion for them.