Oregon State Police (OSP), with the assistance of Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, are continuing the investigation into Friday evening’s single vehicle rollover crash that has resulted in the death of a 7-year old girl, injuries to four other juvenile females, and the arrest of the vehicle’s driver on Highway 97 between Bend and Redmond. The names of the deceased victim and other injured girls are released in this update.
On September 26, 2014, at approximately 7:17 p.m., law enforcement and emergency responders were dispatched to a reported single vehicle rollover crash involving a northbound vehicle. Upon arrival, Redmond Fire & Rescue and DCSO deputies confirmed one fatality and others injured. An air ambulance and ground ambulance were dispatched to the scene to transport injured persons to area hospitals.
Preliminary investigation indicates a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban driven by WILLIAM WAYNE FIX, age 32, from Redmond, was traveling northbound in a reckless manner when FIX lost control. The vehicle traveled off the roadway and struck a rock embankment where it rolled and came to rest on its side.
Passenger PHOENIX MARIE PRICE, age 7, from Redmond, was pronounced deceased at the scene. She is reportedly the driver’s stepdaughter.
Three juvenile females, two age 14 and one age 10, were critically or seriously injured. NAOMI SPANSEL, age 14, and OLIVIA JEANES, age 10, both from Redmond, were critically injured and transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. SPANSEL was transferred to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. JEANES was later transferred to Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. The seriously injured girl, VALON FIX, age 14, from Redmond, was taken to St. Charles Medical Center in Redmond.
A fourth girl, IZZABELLA ROBBINS, age 7, from Redmond, was transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Redmond with minor injuries.
WILLIAM FIX was transported to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend for treatment of his injuries. After he was released from the hospital, OSP took him into custody and lodged him in the Deschutes County Jail on the following charges:
* Manslaughter in the First Degree
* Assault in the Second Degree (3 counts)
* DUII – Alcohol
* Reckless Driving
* Recklessly Endangering Another Person (5 counts)
OSP troopers from the Bend Area Command office are leading the investigation. Safety restraint use by all occupants is pending confirmation. No other information to be released at this time.
The highway was fully closed until one lane was open for both directions about 9:00 p.m.
Scene photograph – Oregon State Police
FIX photograph – Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office
The driver (FIX) is the victim’s Stepfather, not father as originally listed.
Also, OSP is asking to speak with any witnesses to the driving of the involved white 1997 Chevrolet Suburban between Bend and the crash scene. Any witnesses with pertinent information is asked to call OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888. Messages will be forwarded to Trooper Gary Thompson for a return call. Thank you.