News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office

Sheriff's Office investigates fatal Sunday crash that claimed life of 19-year-old Molalla woman

Posted: June 13, 2011, 1:33 p.m.

Please refer to Clackamas County Sheriff's Office case #11-17534

At 4:58 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, 2011, a fatal traffic crash occurred when a northbound vehicle on Hwy. 170 crossed the center line and meandered into the opposing lane of traffic at the intersection of Hwy. 170 and S. Gribble Road in Canby.

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Patrol deputies and Canby Fire rescue personnel responded to the two-vehicle crash.

Investigators soon learned the two vehicles collided in the southbound lane of travel on Hwy. 170, and determined that the sole-occupant female driver of the northbound vehicle had drifted into the opposing lane of travel -- resulted in the collision with an automobile traveling in the opposing, southbound lane of travel. This portion of the roadway is designated as a 55 mph speed zone.

The driver of the northbound vehicle died at the scene and is identified as Tirzah Rose Fox, age 19, who resided in Molalla. Tirzah Fox was driving a blue 1991 Honda Civic at the time of the crash.

Investigators believe Tirzah Fox may have been distracted at the time of the crash by looking inside her purse or counting a large number of dollar bills on her lap. Fox is believed to have been driving to meet a friend to purchase a new television set when she died.

The involved southbound vehicle is described as a white 2003 Honda Odyssey, driven by Dennis Wayne Reynolds, 62, of Canby, with his wife, Holly L. Reynolds, 54, as a passenger. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds reportedly had non-life-threatening injuries, and were transported to Kaiser Hospital for a complete medical evaluation.

M & M Towing removed the involved vehicles from the crash scene. No citations were issued.

Please refer to Clackamas County Sheriff's Office case #11-17534.

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Contact Info:
Jim Strovink, Detective
Public Information Officer
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office