PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The associate principal of a school in the Stevenson-Carson district died in a collision with another vehicle that left 4 others injured in Hazel Dell on Tuesday night.
Carolyn Clark-Bennett of Washougal was driving her Ford Flex Crossover when she pulled out of the King’s Way School parking lot and turned left into the path of a westbound Dodge 2500 pickup truck, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office said.
The crash happened around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on NE 78th Street.
The Dodge struck the Ford’s driver’s side. Once they arrived, EMS personnel immediately attempted to resuscitate Clark-Bennett but could not revive her. The 54-year-old died at the scene.
The Dodge driver, Kierstan Cormican of Battle Ground was taken to a hospital, plus the 3 passengers in Clark-Bennett’s car — her husband and two grandchildren.
Their conditions are not known at this time.
Investigators said Cormican has been very cooperative and no charges have been filed.
Clark-Bennett, commonly called “Suz” or “CB,” was a staff member of the Stevenson-Carson School District. The school district released the following statement in a post on Facebook:
“It is with heavy hearts that we are letting you know that we lost one of our Stevenson-Carson staff members in a tragic accident yesterday. Last night, Suz Clark-Bennett, was in a terrible car accident and she passed away. ‘CB’ is our Wind River Middle School and Stevenson High School Associate Principal and our Skamania County Coalition Coordinator. Our school counselors and members of our local Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) will be available throughout the day at our secondary schools. If parents choose to keep students home today, please simply call in to excuse the absence. As soon as we have more information or details about a memorial service, we will let you know. Today will be a hard day, so will tomorrow and many following. However, we will carry one another during this difficult time.”
The post had an abundance of comments describing the impact Clark-Bennett had on students and the community.
Stevenson High School had an away basketball game at King’s Way High School at 6 p.m. on Tuesday night. Clark-Bennett and her family were believed to be leaving the event when the crash occurred.
This is an active investigation and KOIN 6 News will continue to update this story.
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