Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz’s Husband Dies in I-5 Crash

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

GoLocalPDX News Team

Portland City Hall

Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz’s husband died Wednesday in a multiple-vehicle crash in Salem, the mayor’s office announced Wednesday.

Just before 8 a.m. a pickup truck driving northbound on I-5 in heavy rain collided with a commercial vehicle, according to Oregon State Police. The pickup then crossed the center median and hit the Nissan Sentra driven by Fritz. Fritz was 54 and an employee at the Oregon State Hospital in Salem.

64-year-old Cary Fairchild was also critically injured in the wreck that involved five vehicles in total, according to OSP. Cary’s husband, Jim Fairchild works in the Portland Fire and Rescue Bureau.

Gov. John Kitzhaber offered his condolences on Twitter: "My heart goes out to Commissioner Amanda Fritz and her family," he said. "Her husband Dr. Steve Fritz dedicated himself to the service of those in need."

Today’s City Council meeting that was set for 9:30 a.m. has been cancelled.

“More details will be forthcoming as they are available,” Haynes said in the release. “We ask for privacy for the family and staff as they work through this difficult time.”

Two other people in another vehicle were taken to a hospital with minor injuries. OSP troopers from the Salem Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

OSP was assisted at the scene by several agencies including Salem Police Department, Salem Fire Department, Marion County Sheriff's Office, Keizer Police Department, Woodburn Police Department, ODOT, Salem Environmental Services, and Marion County District Attorney's Office.

All lanes of traffic were open by 11 a.m.