Portland Community Leaders React to Steven Fritz’s Death

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

GoLocalPDX News Team

Amanda Fritz and Storm Large at CherryWood Village in happier times. Photo Credit: Byron Beck

Friends and supporters were shocked and saddened Wednesday at the suddden death of Steven Fritz, the husband of Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz.

Steven Fritz, 54, died Wednesday in a multiple-vehicle crash in Salem, the mayor’s office announced Wednesday.

Mayor Charlie Hales released a statement expressing his condolences.

"Today is a terrible tragedy for our friends and staff at City Hall. Nancy and I, and my staff all mourn the passing of Dr. Steven Fritz, husband of our colleague, Commissioner Amanda Fritz," he said.

"Our hearts also go out to the family of Cary Fairchild, who was injured in the crash. Cary’s husband, Jim Fairchild, works in the Portland Fire and Rescue Bureau."

Hales' wife and GoLocalPDX Contributor, Nancy Hales, said her heart went out to Amanda and her children Luke, Maxwell, and Ali.

"Being the spouse of an elected official is its own special niche. Especially in a tight-knit city like Portland. Steven Fritz and I shared that niche," she said. "Everyone who follows Portland politics knows the public Amanda Fritz, just as everyone knows the public Charlie Hales. But when you’re offline, and you meet couple-to-couple, you get to see an entirely different side to people. And it was always clear: Amanda and Steve were perfect for each other. Charlie and I are grateful that we got to know them as a couple, just as Charlie is grateful to know Amanda as a colleague. Steve will be greatly missed. "

Storm Large, a friend and supporter of Amanda Fritz, said the first time she saw Steven Fritz was at a Portland policital event where he was dressed in all leather and playing backup guitar for a perfomance by the city commissioner.

“He was Amanda’s biggest cheerleader," she said. “I’m sending her all my love, light and strength in this time. It’s such a tremendous loss for such a big hearted woman."

Former Mayor Sam Adams also offered his thoughts.

“This is heartbreaking," he said. "Amanda and her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers."

Fellow City Commissioner Nick Fish drove to Salem as soon as he heard the news.

"Amanda is my dear friend and colleague," he said. "She is a very strong woman. Today, my heart aches for her and her family as they deal with their unspeakable tragedy."