Three-Vehicle Accident in Silverton Kills One, Four Injured

Location: Silverton Rd NE near 81st Avenue NE, Silverton
Names: Brandi L. Tippett, Joseph R. Schmidt, Olivia Schmidt, David Lanier, Lindsey Lanier, 2 minors

KATU News reported that a 36-year-old registered nurse died in a fatal three-car crash outside of Silverton.

Brandi L. Tippett, a registered nurse at Silverton Hospital died after a collision on Silverton Road NE near 81st Avenue NE about three miles west of Silverton.

According to Oregon Police investigators, a 2001 Ford F350 driven by Joseph R. Schmidt, age 17 of Salem, was stopped at the stop sign on 81st Avenue at Silverton Road. Schmidt turned right onto Silverton Road in front of Tippett’s eastbound 2007 Nissan Frontier. Tippets struck the rear of Schmidt’s truck, and both vehicles crossed into the westbound lane of Silverton Road and hit a 2007 Toyota Tacoma, being driven by David Lanier, age 33 of Silverton, head-on. Tippet’s vehicle flipped on its side and went up in flames; firefighters from the Silverton Fire Department and the Marion County Fire District worked together to put out the fire.

Tippetts, who was alone in her vehicle, died at the scene of the Oregon car accident.

Lanier was flown by life-flight helicopter with serious injuries to Emanuel Hospital in Portland. His wife, Lindsey and their two children were transported to Salem Hospital. The Lanier family’s dog did not sustain injuries.

Schmidt and his sister, Olivia, age 13, were treated and released at Silverton Hospital.

Investigation into the cause of the crash remains under investigation. No citations or arrests had been made at the time of this writing.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Brandi Tippett. What a tragedy to lose a loved one in such a tragic accident, especially Ms. Tippett who was devoted to providing healthcare and healing to so many others. We hope they know how many people are thinking of them and wishing them well. We also hope that neither the Laniers or the Schmidts will suffer long-lasting injuries from this crash, and that everyone will fully recover.

Many traffic crashes are difficult to explain, and when death or injury is involved, it is important to contact a qualified Portland personal injury attorney. Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation. We provide information on finding a good personal injury lawyer, and if you have questions after a car crash, please contact us.