Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports on April 20, 2023, at 1:37 p.m., the Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received several 911 calls regarding a motor vehicle crash in the 38000 block of Scravel Hill Road. It was reported that one or two vehicles were involved in the crash and at least two people were injured.
Paramedics from the Jefferson Fire Department and multiple law enforcement personnel responded to the crash and found one vehicle involved in the crash. Deputies investigated and determined a 2016 A7 Audi, operated by Nicole Carey, 36, of Albany, was traveling south on Scravel Hill Road near Cricket Lane when it left the roadway striking a tree. Witnesses described the Audi traveling at a high rate of speed and passing a vehicle when it left the roadway.
First responders arrived and found a passenger, Dallas Welsh, 42, of Hubbard, non-responsive. Life saving measures were attempted. Welsh was pronounced deceased on scene. Carey was transported to Albany General Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation is ongoing, but speed appears to be a factor in the crash. Linn County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Jefferson Fire Department, Salem Police Department, Oregon State Police, Linn County Medical Examiner’s Office and Linn County Road Department. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Detective Kyle Connelly at (541) 967-3950.
UPDATE
Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports on June 8, 2023, detectives arrested Nicole Carey in connection with a motor vehicle crash in the 38000 block of Scravel Hill Road on April 20, 2023 in which her passenger, Dallas Welsh, was killed. Nicole stated to investigators on the day of the crash she was unsure of her speed at the time of the crash, but she felt driving even 10 mph over the posted speed limit (of 45 mph) was too fast due to the weather and road conditions. After a thorough investigation, it was determined that Nicole Carey was operating the 2016 A7 Audi and just prior to the crash, passed a vehicle in a non-passing area while traveling over double the posted speed limit.
Nicole Carey was arrested for Manslaughter in the second degree and lodge in the Linn County Jail.