Myrtle Creek woman killed in crash east of Corvallis

CORVALLIS, Ore. - A young woman died and a man was seriously injured when an SUV changing lanes hit her car and sent it careening head-on into oncoming traffic on Highway 34 east of Corvallis, Oregon State Police said.

Police identified the victim as 22-year-old Chelsea Duffy of Myrtle Creek, Ore. (at left in a photo from her Facebook page).

Duffy was a student at Oregon State University, according to OSU records.

The crash happened around 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept.5.

According to state police, a 1995 GMC Suburban driven by Valore K. Carrigan, 35, of Blodgett changed from the eastbound right lane into the left lane. The rear of the Suburban hit the front of Duffy's 2004 Pontiac Vibe, causing her to lose control.

The Pontiac crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a 2003 Jeep Liberty driven by Larry F. Dodge, 52, of Shedd, Ore.

Duffy died at the scene.

Dodge was taken to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis for treatment of serious injuries, police said.

Carrigan returned to the scene and cooperated with state police investigating the crash.

The investigation is ongoing. No one has been charged.

This story will be updated

Earlier story

CORVALLIS, Ore. - A fatal crash east of Corvallis is blocking traffic on Highway 34.

Police and transportation officials said the fatal crash had reduced traffic to one lane in each direction about 2 1/2 miles east of town.

No word yet on what caused the crash or the identity of the victim or victims.

Motorists should expect heavy congestion and delays while a law enforcement investigation is completed.

Traffic was being allowed through in the eastbound lanes only as of 3 p.m.

Motorists should take an alternate route, if possible.