Candida Rodriguez Obituary, Death Cause – Authorities are investigating a weekend crash in Clackamas County that resulted in one fatality and left two others injured. The Oregon State Police reported that the incident happened late Saturday morning along Highway 224 near milepost 15.
According to investigators, the collision took place around 11:30 a.m. when a Toyota Corolla entered the highway from SE Amisigger Road, turning eastbound. At that moment, the vehicle was struck by a westbound Dodge Ram 2500 traveling along Highway 224. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles and led to the temporary closure of the highway.
The driver of the Toyota, identified as 51-year-old Candida Rodriguez from Gresham, unfortunately passed away at the scene. Emergency responders from local fire and rescue units quickly arrived and provided medical assistance to the vehicle’s passengers. Two occupants of the Toyota sustained minor injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and evaluation. Authorities later confirmed that both individuals were in stable condition.
The driver of the Dodge truck, whose name was not immediately released, did not report any injuries. Police noted that the individual remained at the scene and fully cooperated with the ongoing investigation. Officers documented the incident, collected witness statements, and examined the vehicles involved to determine the cause of the collision.
Traffic along Highway 224 was significantly delayed as state troopers and local authorities closed off the section of roadway to conduct their investigation. The closure lasted approximately four hours before traffic was reopened to normal flow. Motorists were advised to use alternate routes during that period while cleanup crews worked to clear the vehicles and debris from the area.
While specific details about what led to the crash are still under review, Oregon State Police confirmed that speed and impairment have not yet been cited as contributing factors. Investigators are continuing to analyze evidence and vehicle data to understand how the events unfolded.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, local firefighters, and Oregon Department of Transportation crews also assisted at the scene, ensuring that emergency responders could work safely and efficiently.
Authorities expressed their condolences to the family and loved ones of Candida Rodriguez. They also reminded the public about the importance of cautious driving, especially when entering or crossing highways. Intersections and merge points can be high-risk areas if drivers misjudge distance or speed, officials said.
As of Sunday, no citations or charges had been announced. Oregon State Police indicated that updates will be provided once more information becomes available from the investigation.
The section of Highway 224 where the crash occurred is known for moderate traffic flow and rural surroundings, which can make visibility and reaction times crucial during turns or crossings. Safety officials emphasized that incidents like this serve as a reminder for drivers to remain alert and ensure clear visibility before entering major roadways.
This tragic event adds to a growing number of collisions reported on Oregon highways this year. State authorities continue to urge drivers to exercise patience, avoid distractions, and stay aware of their surroundings, particularly at intersections where high-speed traffic can make left or right turns more dangerous.
The investigation into the Clackamas County crash remains ongoing, with the Oregon State Police leading the effort to determine the exact circumstances that caused the accident. For now, officials are focusing on reconstructing the sequence of events and interviewing all witnesses to ensure a clear and accurate understanding of what transpired on Highway 224 that morning.
