‘Loss, grief and sadness’: Beaverton crash kills 2 Southridge High students, critically injures 3 other students and county sheriff’s deputy – oregonlive.com
Two high school students from Beaverton were killed, three others were left in critical condition and a Washington County sheriff’s deputy suffered life-threatening injuries after an early Wednesday crash at a highway intersection.
Officers from the Beaverton Police Department were called to reports of a two-vehicle crash at Southwest Tualatin Valley Highway and Murray Boulevard just before 12:30 a.m., the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
Investigators believe a silver Nissan Altima with five people inside was traveling southbound on Murray when the driver ran a red light and struck the deputy’s marked patrol vehicle.
Sheriff Pat Garrett called for a moment of silence recognizing “the incredible sense of loss, grief and sadness” felt by many as he addressed the crash at a news conference.
“This morning’s events are not only difficult for the sheriff’s office but also the Washington County community, especially members, families and friends of the Beaverton School District,” Garrett said. “We wholeheartedly appreciate the support expressed by our community for our staff, and everyone directly impacted by this tragedy.”
All of the occupants of the Nissan were students at Southridge High School, according to a statement from Don Grotting, superintendent of the Beaverton School District.
Two of the students were killed, the sheriff’s office said. They were identified as 17-year-old Matthew Amaya and 16-year-old Juan Pacheco Aguilera.
“We are devastated to learn of these deaths,” Grotting said. “Our hearts go out to their families and friends, and our thoughts are with those who are currently hospitalized. We also want to extend our condolences and support to the Southridge community.”
Grotting said the district would have extra counselors at the school Wednesday to help grieving students.
The driver and the two other people in the car were taken to hospitals in critical condition. The deputy, Michael Trotter, was also critically injured and taken to a hospital.
Garrett said Trotter was in critical but stable condition after sustaining life-threatening injuries. He didn’t say how Trotter was hurt but noted that he will have a “long road to recovery.” Trotter joined the sheriff’s office as a reserve deputy in 2013 and became a patrol officer in 2015, Garrett said, as a photo of Trotter posing with his son was displayed on a nearby screen.
The sheriff praised the “heroic actions” of first responders from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Metro West Ambulance and the Beaverton Police Department.
“Last night is a stark reminder of how dangerous police work can be,” he said. “It’s not only the bravery of my team that amazes me, it is also the unwavering support for each other as they raise their hand every day to accept a certain amount of risk to serve our community.”
Authorities haven’t identified the injured students. Garrett declined to answer questions from the media, citing the ongoing investigation.
The sheriff’s office did not say whether drugs, alcohol or excessive speed were thought to have played a role. A special investigative team was looking into the crash, the sheriff’s office said.
Investigators asked anyone with information about the crash to call 503-629-0111.
– Kale Williams; [email protected]; 503-294-4048; @sfkale
— Zane Sparling; [email protected]; 503-319-7083; @pdxzane