Icy Conditions in Washington County Lead to Fatal Crash

One man died and another was LifeFlighted from the scene, it was one of many serious crashes in Portland today.

Photo courtesy: Washington County Sheriff See the full size photos at the bottom of the story.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - This morning Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple car crashes after the temperature dropped below freezing and black ice formed on the roadways. One crash resulted in the death of a Cornelius man.

This morning around 7:49 AM, Washington County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported head-on crash on N.W. Cornelius-Schefflin near N.W. Long Road, Sheriff's Office Spokesman David Thompson said.

"When deputies arrived, they were advised by the Cornelius Fire Department that there was a fatality involved. 51-year old Brian Herinckx from Cornelius was killed when his 1985 Nissan pick up was struck head on by a 1995 Ford Mustang."

Thompson says the Mustang’s driver was 24-year old Jose Louis Arroyo. Jr. from Cornelius.

"Life Flight had arrived and was standing by to transport the driver of Mustang after he was extricated from his vehicle by fire personnel. There were no other occupants in the vehicles" Thompson says this deadly incident is attributed to black ice.

"The investigation indicated that Mr. Arroyo was north on N.W. Cornelius-Schefflin Road. The road was covered with black ice and Mr. Arroyo lost control of his vehicle. He crossed over the center line and struck the truck being driven by Mr. Herinckx head-on."

Both vehicles sustained heavy damaged in the incident as the photos demonstrate. Mr. Arroyo had to be extricated from the vehicle. Mr. Herinckx was pronounced dead at the scene.

Thompson says the seatbelt in his truck was damaged, but it is unclear if he was wearing his seatbelt and it failed during the crash or if it had been cut or torn prior to the crash."

Deputies had N.W. Cornelius-Schefflin Road closed for several hours during the investigation. The family of Mr. Herinckx has been notified of his death. Mr. Arroyo was issued traffic citations related to the crash, but was not charged with any crimes. There is no indication that alcohol was involved. Thompson says this crash was one of several this morning.

"Deputies took reports of multiple crashes between about 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM this morning. During this time a change in the weather dropped the temperature below freezing and caused black ice to form on the roads."

Thompson said numerous reports of other head-on crashes and rollover vehicle crashes were reported during this time. However, no other life threatening injuries were reported.