Victim Identified in Fatal Dorris Train Crash

Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Identifies the victim of a train vs vehicle crash on September 25, 2018 as Ashley Jennifer Hinson, 35, of Van Nuys, California. (Image, Brian Gailey).

Sheriff’s Office Update on Fatal Dorris Train vs. Motor Vehicle Incident Fatal Victim Identified

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) has identified the driver of the vehicle involved in the fatal motor vehicle versus train collision that occurred on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 shortly after 8:28 a.m.  The driver and solo occupant of the vehicle sustained fatal injuries in the collision.  The victim has been identified as Ms. Ashley Jennifer Hinson, 35, of Van Nuys, California. 

On September 25, 2018 at about 8:28 a.m., the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) received a report of a collision involving a train and a motor vehicle in the Dorris area.  Additional information indicated the vehicle was on fire at US 97 near Railroad Avenue, at the railroad crossing gate.  SCSO Sergeant Abner Weed responded to the incident, along with local fire department and California Highway Patrol (CHP) first responders.  SCSO provides contract law enforcement services for Dorris.

A preliminary investigation revealed a vehicle, operated by a driver allegedly observed driving at a high-rate of speed prior to the collision, was southbound on US 97 when the vehicle ran through the crossing gate and collided with the train’s engine. The train was in motion at the time of the collision.  The crossing gate was located just north of Railroad Avenue in the incorporated City of Dorris.  The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.  A deceased dog was also located in the vehicle after fire department personnel extinguished flames erupting as a result of the collision.  The preliminary investigation revealed the railroad crossing arm barriers and signals were functioning at the time of the collision.

According to Sheriff Jon Lopey, “On behalf of the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, I would like to take this opportunity to again extend our thoughts and prayers to Ms. Hinson, her family, associates, and friends. I would also like to again acknowledge the assistance we received at the scene by the Dorris Volunteer Fire Department, CHP, California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), and Amtrak personnel. This incident is still under investigation and anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the SCSO’s 24-hour Dispatch Center at (530) 841-2900.”

Previous reports - Sheriff's Office Probes Fatal Dorris Train Vs Motor Vehicle Incident

Press release provided from the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office.