Kalen Shippen, Ellen Blee, Olivia Blee and Kristopher Blee Badly Injured in Fatal Chain-Reaction Crash in Durham
DURHAM, CA (June 21, 2019) – Two people were killed and four others were badly injured following a multi-vehicle crash Friday evening in Durham.
Authorities later identified the deceased victims as a 53-year-old Donald Shippen and a 56-year-old Apryl Shippen. Both victims were Chico residents.
The fatal crash took place on Highway 99, near Neal Road.
According to a news release, a 2011 Volvo dump truck was heading north at 55 mph. The Volvo eventually struck the rear of a 2004 Chevrolet Sedan that had slowed for a red light.
The impact caused the sedan to push into the rear of a 2011 Toyota Sienna, which then caused the Sienna to push into the rear of a 2019 Freightliner pulling a box trailer.
As a result, the couple Donald and Apryl Shippen, who were passengers in the Chevrolet, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The male driver of the Chevrolet, 24-year-old Kalen Shippen, was taken to Enloe Medical Center with major injuries.
Three occupants in the Sienna minivan were also seriously injured. Authorities identified them as Ellen Blee, 63, Olivia Blee, 19 and Kristopher Lee, 57. All from Chico.
It is unknown if drugs or alcohol was a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.
Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Donald Shippen and Apryl Shippen. We also wish with the injured parties a swift and steady recovery.
If you have lost a loved one in wrongful death accident, turn to the Sweet Lawyers today. For over 44 years, our seasoned lawyers have achieved justice and excellent compensation for bereaved families like yours. To know if we can do the same for you, please call us at (800) 674 7852 and schedule a free consultation.