" As a known radio personality would say "I have a dog in this fight." My daughters grew up and went to school with DJ since they were in first grade, she was one of my girls. we took vacations together, we talked to her when she was down and we shared in her joy.
This young woman was something special, her smile would always fill the room, and lord help you if you made her mad. Now i understand that everybody has someone that they feel the same way about and I and my family and DJ's family are not alone, but this is to inform those of you that wish to know that because of one person's irresponibility to obey the road condition and to just motor down the hwy, we are missing two wonderful people, not to mention the loss of the babies.( both DJ and her mom's)
Like i said i had a dog in the fight , but i guess i had two. You see, Clay was my neighbors nephew, and i had talked with Clay numerous times and enjoyed the young man very much. i found it hard to believe that i met a young man that had his head on so straight.
For those of you who try and defend the ( "Professional " ) driver that took the life of these two, I pray that you never have to go through what these two familes have gone through. My prayers and thoughts go out to Dee and her family and to Jackie and hers. May god bless all those that have been touched by this tragic accident. "

" i recently met dotsie while working at mcdonalds so i didnt know her very well but she seemed like a wonderful person my prayers go out to these two families...and honestly this isnt the place to be fighting about truck drivers vs. car drivers... yes in this piticular case the truck driver was at fault... and yes there have been many accidents on 97 with truck drivers but if this was your family would you really want to read a bunch of comments about people fighting over drivers. i personaly wouldnt.... my thoughts go out to the famliles of dotsie and clay they will be greatly missed... "

" Wow, I am overwhelmed by Real Bills last statement. Just confirms what I see every winter. Truckers have better traction due to the weight. They ride my bumper when traveling with my children. For years now, I can't put them in the back seat. This may be a opportunity to combine as one voice to the proper authorities in attempt to get something done. I am surely going to do my part. "

" Just to update everyone, the benefit concert will be at the Klamath County Fairgrounds, in Exhibit Hall 2, on saturday, Nov. 15. The memorial service for Dotsie and Clay is at 11 am, the same day at O'hair and Riggs, with the reception and concert following at the fairgrounds. The music should start around 3 pm. We are requesting a $10 donation/cover charge at the door, which will cover the food and music. All proceeds raised will be going to Dotsie and Clay's families to help with the costs of the final arrangements. So far we have confirmed The Craig Allen Blues Band, The Klamath Blues Society, The Callahan Band, Cheap Shot, Mad Menagerie, Sam Elam, Mike Kirkpatrick, Mile Post 3, Johnny 5, Rachel Alexander, and also members of The High Council and the Usual Suspects. If anyone else would like to perform in honor of Dotsie and Clay, give me a call at 892-0217. You attendance and support will be greatly appreciate by the families. "

" The article was written by the OSP Public Information Officer see http://oregon.gov/OSP/NEWSRL/news/11_05_2008_fatalx2_hwy97_mp230.shtml this is just a summery of their investigation. I have learned more than what has been released, like their jeep was pushed nearly a mile from the impact. Dotsie and Clay were doing 35 and the truck was doing nearly 80 in snow and ice with low visibility. Clay pulled to the right to try and get off the road and took the brunt but it was not enough to save Dotsie and the baby. "

" I was not defending that peticular driver and if you will read what i said you will see that. I was defending drivers in general .I still havent seen anything about anyone being cited or charged with anything.What irritated me was the fact that alot of comments were immediatly towards truckdrivers being at fault Again i will say i am sorry for your losses But i also believe that when god says its time to go you dont get a choice of when or how it happens. "

" Oregon is more worried about a bird or a fish than the people. To the Real Bill, thank you for setting the record straight. Also thanks for posting the information about the myspace site. I visited it paid respects in my own way to these poor victims of a senseless act that displayed a complete disregard for safety and a disturbing lack of common sense. "

" i met Dotsie once, only because she was best friends with my cousin. I heard the news yesterday via our Grandma up here in northern oregon.

May their Souls Rest In Peace, Dotsie, Clay and the unborn child.

They all will be watching over everyone of you that they loved for the rest of your lives, and you all will meet again soon enough. "

" Dotsie and Clay had gone to visit Dotsie’s father for the weekend and we thought they left Vancouver at 11 AM and when they were not home at 7 PM we tried calling her and kept getting voice mail. We then checked with her grandmother and found out they did not leave till 1 PM and she sometimes stops in Eugene at the mall on their way home so we thought maybe they were late from stopping or slow road conditions. We went to sleep at midnight.
We were woke up at 1 AM Wednesday by the state police tapping on the window. When I seen them I knew it was not good news and I got Denene out of bed. Of course they broke the news and Denene was devastated. We could not sleep and any time we almost got to sleep the phone rang. We let Jandy and Tarita sleep in and planed to have them take the rest the week off of school. Tarita got up at 7 and Denene broke the news to her and the crying woke Jandy and she was told.
We had about 40 visitors Wednesday, Tarita’s paternal grandmother and aunt came over early and fixed us breakfast, I said the prayer and thanked for the food only and asked God to take care of Dotsie and Clay and for support for Denene, Jandy and Tarita. I contacted the state police and the funeral home to relieve Denene of that stress.
We are now waiting for the medical examiner to release our loved ones and then we will be setting a date for next week for their service which will be a double service. The service will be held at O’Hair & Riggs at 515 Pine St. Any condolences can be sent to Denene at 4016 Ezell Ave. or brought to the service next week, please no visitors except friends and family, flowers may be delivered or dropped off. They will both be cremated.
Dotsie’s myspace music is at myspace.com/familygals. I will be working on a slide presentation for the service and benefit jam at the Longhorn Saloon in Bonanza Saturday the 15th .
To the other Bill, yes there are stupid drivers in cars and semi’s but not all drivers are. I find it out of line for you to defend this extremely stupid young truck driver; who was speeding and passing other cars in the dark, low visibility, icy and snowy conditions of that late afternoon. Clay was driving on his side of the road and it was the truck driver who was in the extreme wrong and this should end his truck driving career. I do not feel sorry for this ignorant truck driver or his insurance company, they will be publishing Dotsie’s music for her now. I agree with Brian and I quit a job driving a boom truck because of its deadly capabilities. If you cannot exercise extreme caution driving a big rig, you have no business in the business.
P.S. they had planned to marry before the baby’s arrival and not after. All this caused Dotsie’s mother to miscarry this evening she was also pregnant with my child who was going to grow up with Dotsie and Clay’s child they would have been 2 months apart. So let’s credit my truck driver with taking 4 lives. I had had a reverse vasectomy in June after 26 years of being disconnected, a miracle. My only son Chris 29 deploys to Iraq on the 17th of this month with the 82nd Airborne. "

" First off I want to say that i'm very saddened by this story, and am praying each morning and night for the family and friends or these to youngsters, and that God may give them the strength they will need to get through this horrible incident.

I have traveled 97 for many years now, back and forth from Oregon to California each day.

Officers:
My brother is a police officer and has been there to clean up and release the horrible news of tragic accidents many times on 97.
Police Officers slacking on there job is not the case at all. Its the lack of police officers that the state can afford.
I also know many officers who are discouraged to work for the State of Oregon when were constantly laying - off officers as quick as we hire them.

Truckers:

I agree much with what Bill has to say about truckers. My dad has always taught me to give them there space. Like bill said they are hauling around 8000lbs and its not easy coming to a sudden hault when people choose to cut them off.

I fear winter every year, because Oregon doesn't take care of the roads very well, which it should be. This is a state that see's tons of snow each year.


I guess what i'm trying to state is that this state has it limits due to the budget.
We ALL need to stop talkin the talk, and start walkin the walk.
I hear and read to much on complaints on this that and the other. (like i'm doing myself) We need to get together and fix the problems. Not sit on our sorry buts and complain.
Were there is a will there is a way! "

" Dont get me wrong I am not blaming it on cars alone.I drove 97 from Wa to Ca for 15 yrs. of my 20 over the road, Trucks run slower up and down hills so we are constantly being passed we generally run 5 miles an hr over the speed limit on the flats and still get passed like we are going backwards,If i was to write down all the stupid stuff i have seen or the license plate numbers of all laws being broken by cars trying to get around me i would have to hire a secretary to ride in the jump seat to write it down.The point i was trying to get across here is there were as of yet no citations written to anyone but the blame went right to the truckdriver . Yes there are bad truckdrivers too but I in my experiance believe we are out numbered by a long ways. I-5 20 yrs driving experiance in a truck you have to drive what 55 Yet at age 16 license for a week and you can go 65 Something is very wrong with this picture. Just give us DRIVERS a little respect is all Im asking "

" To all truckers and car drivers: We all have to share the road and we all have had or know someone who has had experiences on both sides of the coin. I have a great respect for the damage a semi can do. I have seen it. It seems that over time, truckers have evolved into not caring about the cars anymore. This is probably due to the fact that so many car drivers cut them off and expect them to make room, showing a lack of common sense and respect. This story just makes me mad. In reality, I don't know who is to blame. Maybe this is not the proper place to vent. I don't know the victims but I am deeply saddened by this. We should all respect each other. Car drivers should be aware that a semi can smash them at less than 40MPH. Truckers know this. As the trucker stated, there is no way to stop that much weight or regain control once it is lost. Please be patient and use common sense. I wish all of you the best and hope that you will all stay safe. I am sorry for the tragic losses here. Most accidents are avoidable and let's face it, there are an equal amount of bad truck and car drivers. No amount of miles or experience makes us able to predict what drivers will do. Or if a tire is about to blow and so on. "

" I drive 97 through the curves every day. I have done lots of driving over the passes through the years. 97 is the worst of them all. Not just because of the conditions, but because of the volume of traffic and the icy roads. Cars and trucks speed on 97 through the curves and have no idea what they are getting into. I get passed all the time through the curves on double lines. The other vehicle usually has washington or cali plates driving a peice of junk car while i'm driving my 4x4 suv with studs. I've seen way to many very close calls with the passing car barely making it around the corner before the other vehicle passes them going the opposite direction. I've been passed by semi through the curves.

We need more police, need more signs, need blinking lights that say 'black ice on road'. We need something that at least tells people who don't drive around here that the roads are much worse than they think. Even if we don't have enough police then town should hire fake police and put one on each end of the curves.

We need a barrier between the lanes through the curves. ODOT repaved the road last year, but graded the road to the mntn side, put in a barrier for the fallilng rocks and didn't put in drains for the water or snow when it melts. Look for the water to collect and turn into ice overnight.

In the winter just about every week there is a major if not fatal accident. I had a semi truck hauling through the curves going about 60+ with his whole truck sliding towards me. I had no where to go but off the side of the mnt to the railroad tracks. Luckily we barely missed. How many people have gone of the side in the past years. I know of atleast 3. I know of 3 people personally that had big rocks falls of the mntn onto their car. Notice how many rocks have hit the chain link fence or the number of small 3 to 6 inch rocks on the road especially in the spring. We need more money put into this stretch of the road. "

" not all truckers have snow and ice experience. I have physically seen and heard a trucker ask ODOT if he would put his chains on for him. Another one said, "I watched a video on how its done." Did you know more truckers were towed off the side of 97 than cars last year. Cars out number trucks on 97 2 to 1. Hmm... I STILL question who has experience or not. "

" Truckers blame cars, cars blame truckers. Its a finger pointing game that nobody sees, only hears. Its been happening for a while. Not just on 97. Highway 97 is what it is. Its not the highways fault. The highway didnt CAUSE the accident, the conditions did not CAUSE the accident. The problem is, human error. We are in such a hurry to get to our destination. We always want to be the first car in a long line of traffic. EVEN WHEN ITS SNOWING. In the past few years, I have seen some bloodshed on highway 97. Remember the family of 5 that was killed a few years ago, 1/2 mile down the road. In 2004, within that half mile, 2 ladies died, head on with a semi. Last winter, a two day Hazardous Materials operation when a truck tipped over to avoid another car who was stopped in the middle of the road due to whiteout conditions. Same area. HIGHWAY 97 DRIVING TIPS. #1. PATIENTS #2. SLOW DOWN. "

" It is so sad that such a young couple with a baby on the way had to be killed on this deadly highway. OSP should really crack down on the truck drivers on that highway. There have been several times I have been run off the road by an oncoming semi because they are driving too fast or not paying attention and drive over the line. And I even had one come over the line and even smile at me cuz he just didnt care. Most (not all) act like they own the road and "do not" drive the speed limit. My thoughts and prayers are with both of these families. "

" First Bill.. cool off! It stated in the story that the truck veered into the southbound lane. Nothing about the truck being cut-off or the couple pulling out in front of the truck. So save your useless redundant rant for another time. "

" Thank you Bill!!! Tragic accident, no doubt, but both my dad and brother are truck drivers. My dad has been on the road for over 30 years. EVERY DAY he has stories about people in cars that JUST DON'T seem to UNDERSTAND that you simply can't expect them to have the movement and stopping ability of a car...especially with a fully loaded semi on an icy road. These drivers have more experience then anyone else on the roads...they are CERTAINLY not bad drivers!!!! "

" Bill,
Remeber that next time you're on 97 or 5 and you cut us off with only feet to spare so you can pass another rig who's going .0001 mph slower than you !!! EVERY time I'm going north on 5 pulling my boat up a hill one of you clowns swerve your 80000lbs in front of me a the last second........Hello pot meet kettle. "

" Hi Bill. I understand your point. Car drivers do take risks when it comes to a loaded semi. But don't try to pin this on car drivers. Highway 97 is dangerous in itself. I can't seat my kids in the very back seat because truck drivers are too pushy even above the speed limit. Do you drive 55? If your a logger, I know you don't. You may be a great driver but allow me to generalize. Truckers drive well over what the logs indicate. Yes you are 80,000 lbs therefore you have much better traction on ice than my car which is carrying much more precious cargo than your rig. As I said in my earlier post (still not approved to show here) I grew up with a trucker as a dad. I learned to drive and respect the big rig at an early age in the bay area of CA of all places. I witnessed burning bodies pulled from cars before I was fifteen. I learned to allow semis the right of way because as you said, you can't stop on a dime. The law needs to tighten up in areas where it is so obvious. When the logger died last year on 97 south of KF. I watched the whole thing happen. I barely got out of the way of a line of big rigs that were speeding through the fog, oblivious. Probably driving under the influence of whites just to stay awake. I guess we are all guilty when it comes down to it. But when you say car drivers don't understand the physics of a loaded semi, sometimes I wonder if the truck drivers understand it either. Be safe "

" I went to to school with Dotise. she will be greatly missed. She was beautfiul loveing person. I didnt know clay, but pray for he's family as well and their unborn child. I will keep my prayers.

You will be missed "

" I think the focus should be in this couple and the loss of their lives and, yes, also who was at fault for the accident. To go off on all truckers is wrong though. I truly believe that anyone who is getting their license should have to read up and be tested on how driving a semi is NOT like driving a car. They cannot stop as fast as a car can, they cannot go up a hill as fast as a car can especailly with a full load, the driver cannot see you if you're right on his/her tail among other things. Too many people see them as "being in their way" but realize this that EVERYTHING in your home from the food that you eat to the clothes on your back has been delivered by a truck driver. Yes, there are bad truck drivers out there, just like there are bad drivers in ANY vehicle. "

" i went to school with dotsie and clay and i am so sad that they couldent experence the family the almost had being married and having children i know they will be together forever with god in heaven no they can go join Kami and everyone else from mazama and be together till we all get there "

" Ok just a minute here first i think its sad about the young couple who lost their lives here .I am a professional driver myself and have seen alot in my 20 plus years of driving. The majority of accidents ive seen with trucks and cars are because you people in cars dont respect or have any clue what you are dealing with. We weigh 80000 lbs we cant stop on a dime yet you pull out in front of us. You dont give us any room we are 70 ft plus long. Everything you own or have or eat gets to you by truckdrivers who dont get home but once a week if that.You swerve in and out of traffic like its a nascar race so you can get where you are going most likely home to eat with your family.You people should think about that as you are passing or pulling out or cutting us off .We are sitting in a seat with 80000 lbs strapped to our back 10 hrs a day dealling with drivers who dont have 1/4 the experiance or miles that we have behind us "

" I was shocked and very saddened to learn of Dotsie's terrible passing. She was a beautiful, vibrant person whom I loved very much. I pray for her beautiful Mother, Denene, Sisters, and all of her famiily and friends... I didn't know Clay, but pray for his Family as well, and their unborn child. Highway 97 is a trecherous highway and needs to be made 4 lanes everywhere possible to help prevent needless tradgedys such as this one. "

" This is such a sad and tragic accident, I attended and graduated high school with Dotsie and he was an awesome and just friendly young woman. She would have a made a wondeful wife and mother. So sad that her life was cut short. My thought go out to the families. "

" Dotsie and Clay will be greatly missed. I am putting together a benefit jam for Doties snd Clay's family to help defray the cost of final arangements. I have contacted several musicians from local bands and I've had 100% feedback. So, if anybody knows anyone else who would like to be involved, give me a call at 892-0217. I'm expecting representation from just about every band that has performed at BLYSTOCK, so lets do what we can. Dotsie and Clay and their family deserve to know just how much they're loved. We Miss You Dotsie and Clay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

" I am so sad with the passing of Dotsie and clay.She was a great person did not know clay but I know if she was to marry him he was just as great. My daughter and Dotsie grew up with one anther. We will always LOVE YOU !!!!! My thoughts and prays go out to both Dotsie and Clays family. "

" I used to work at Mcdonalds with Dotsie. I didnt know her very well but she seemed like a great person. My thoughts go out to her family and also Clays family. "

" Now we are blaming the State Police for not slowing down these truckers. Lets put the blame (if there is one) where it belongs with the demo's and Governor Tax & gouge me for not funding the State Police at a minimal level to have an effect on these speeding truckers. The State Police is under manned and therefore not an effective deterrent to speeders. "

" My sympathies go out to Dotsies family. She was a great person, always bubbly and fun to have around. I know that she will be deeply missed by her friends and family. Her family will be in my prayers. "

" Dotsie And Clay will be in our hearts always and forever. "

" Trucker coming up from Calif. Wonder if he had much experience in ice and snow and if his tires had good tred. We locals know how often semi's kill people on 97. I think we should have technicians [and call law enforcement as warranted] screen every truck stopping at the scales. The shockingly high rate of trucker violations found during the recent Bend and Klamath Falls spot-checks tells it all. And nail'm on the passes without chains too...hugh fines; get serious about public safety!! "

" I am very saddend to hear of such an accident... And my prayers are with the families of these victums.. As some may say. The truck driver is likely at fault, however not all accidents involving semis are caused by those drivers. My husband is a Truck Driver and I say many prayers for him every time I know he is on the road, for I know that many things could occur.. I am also praying for all of those who travel our highways on a daily basis. Although many accidents do occur, not all are avoidable. As I have stated before, I my prayers are with the families of these two victums who were taken from this life so suddenly and the unborn child.. "

" Another reason to evaluate the use of a center divider on this highway. Most accidents are head-on and this would eliminate this type of loss. "

" My thoughts and prayers are with Irion and Newcomer families. "

" Very sad and senseless. This sort of thing angers me to no end. Yes, the at fault truck was most likely speeding, or possibly fell asleep-who knows. The OSP is too busy writing tickets on 97 for passenger vehicles who may be going 10 mph over the speed limit who are driving safely. They should be watching the truck drivers who are swerving and speeding as well as the idiots who are tailgating and passing unsafely. "

" I am very in shock and very sad to see such friends pass away in such horrible conditions!! My sympathies go to the families of the deceased. "

" Dotsie was an amazing young woman, and she deserved an ending so much better than this one. She had a child on the way, and she would have made an amazing mother. Her family is in a horrible place right now, so do what you can to pray for them. They certainly need it. "

" Another avoidable and sad fatal crash...my guess is that the truck, as usual, was going too fast for the conditions, and probably, as usual, over the rarely enforced 55 mph speed limit for such vehicles.
When will we get REAL enforcement over speeding trucks? "