Salem Woman Driving Wrong Way on I-5 Kills Two Eugene Symphony Members

The northbound lanes on I-5 were closed until 3:00 AM as northbound traffic was diverted off at the Highway 34 interchange.

(ALBANY, Ore.) - A Salem woman is in custody after a fatal head-on crash near Albany that killed two women. It happened late Sunday night on northbound Interstate 5.

The two victims, along with a third surviving passenger, are members of the Eugene Symphony and were returning to their homes following a Sunday evening rehearsal.

OSP says at approximately 10:53 PM, a 1993 Saturn four-door with three occupants driven by 36-year-old Kjersten Oquist, from Wood Village, was northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 233 in the left lane when it was struck in the passenger side by a 1996 Nissan Sentra four-door that was southbound in the northbound lanes.

Oquist and passenger 31-year-old Angela Svendsen, from Vancouver, Washington, were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Another passenger in the Saturn, 28-year-old Kelly Gronli, from southeast Portland, was using safety restraints and was transported by ambulance to Samaritan Albany General Hospital for treatment.

The Nissan's driver, 26-year old Fivea Sharipoff, from northeast Salem, received non-life threatening injuries and was transported by ambulance to Samaritan Albany General Hospital for treatment.

Upon release following treatment, Sharipoff was taken into custody by Oregon State Police troopers.

Sharipoff was lodged in Linn County Jail on two counts of First Degree Manslaughter, Second Degree Assault, and DUII.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Albany Area Command office are continuing the investigation with the assistance of the Linn County District Attorney's Office.

Linn County Sheriff's Office, Albany Fire Department, ODOT, and the Multi Agency Traffic Team (MATT) assisted at the scene.

The northbound lanes were closed until 3:00 AM during which northbound traffic was diverted off at the Highway 34 interchange.

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Jackie July 7, 2023 11:42 am (Pacific time)

I printed the funeral programs for one of the girls that died. I don't recall which one. I can still picture her mom coming in, practically being held up by family. The poor woman was a mess. I hope she found peace at some point.I cannot imagine going through that. She came back a few weeks later and gave me a gift of carved trees,for making her a mounted print of her daughter for free.They still sit on my mantle.

Amy June 5, 2008 9:01 pm (Pacific time)

Hi I just want to write on behalf of Fevia. I know her perconaly I do daycare for her children. I am soo heart broken that this could happen one for the familys that lost these two ladies but also for Fivea knowing that her children will grow up with out her. This is not like her.......

Compassionate February 23, 2007 1:41 pm (Pacific time)

On December 22, 2006 I was hit head on by a drunk driver. He spent 12 minutes in jail and then got out for 500.00 bail. He got his license suspended for two weeks and is now able to driver between designated hours. As horrible of an accident as this is, at least she is getting some form of punishment...my deepest codolenses to the victims family and to the survivor, because I know how you relive it day after day. My prayers go out to you.

awilliams February 14, 2007 6:17 pm (Pacific time)

Angela Svendsen was my daughter's violin teacher for the last few years. Angela was a fabulous role model for young girls. The shock is turning into anger for me. I hope that friends, family and students will be able to speak at the penalty phase for this woman. As far as I am concerned she forfeited all rights when she chose to drive drunk a second time.

anon February 14, 2007 12:03 pm (Pacific time)

She's not from russia but she is a complete idiot for doing what she did. She has her own children she will not see for a long time. Wow what a way to be remembered. MY MOM KILLED TWO PEOPLE!!! Thanks mom! How would she feel had it been her kids...

Come On! February 13, 2007 10:08 pm (Pacific time)

feverrun...Come on, "RR like barrier" give me a break. How about "Don't drink and drive!"

violinqueen February 13, 2007 6:25 pm (Pacific time)

As a fellow player, it broke my heart to hear Kjersten and Angela. I was looking forward to playing an upcoming concert in Vancouver and catching up with Kjersten, but obviously it is not going to happen now. They are such sweet girls. I just spoke with a fellow friend who shared tears with me over the phone. I wish I could have room for sympathy of the drunk driver, but I find absolutely nothing in my heart, especially on a second offense. I hope that she gets a long prison sentence. I feel for their husbands, families, and students, and if I could trade places with them I would. I am so upset and in shock. It just is SO SO SENSELESS.

feverrun February 13, 2007 2:12 pm (Pacific time)

In looking at net stories a man with the same last name died 25 years ago when Mt. St. Helens blew. I wondered if she was related and also from Russia? Was it conclusive she was drunk? I read intoxicant(s) - pretty vague. Why not have a RR like barrier go down if someone enters the wrong way (with some kind of trigger)...backing down isn't safe either - breaking it might wake someone up!

Latanna February 13, 2007 10:15 am (Pacific time)

My sincere condolences to the families for their loss. What a waste of life once again due to alchol/driving.

Anonymous February 13, 2007 8:49 am (Pacific time)

With as much publicity as there is about drinking and driving - 20 to life - No Parole!

Anonymous February 12, 2007 8:35 pm (Pacific time)

Sad for both families, this girls life is ruined. Alcohol doing it's worst once again. Show this to your children folks these could be your daughters.

Anonymous February 12, 2007 4:54 pm (Pacific time)

Why doesn't the web site for our local paper have things like this? Salem-News.com had this story hours earlier, it is not the only story today either that the paper missed for hours while you guys had it up. Good job.

JoeMimic February 12, 2007 10:56 am (Pacific time)

Wow...there's just no reason for this stuff to happen. Thoughts and prayers are with the families of the two who passed away.

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