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School clerk dies in crash


Editor's note: A press release from the Oregon State Police incorrectly stated Elijah Jensen is 19 years old. He is actually 29 years old. The information has been changed in the online story, and the Idaho Press-Tribune will publish a correction in Wednesday's print edition.

LA GRANDE, Ore. — A Nampa woman who worked for two Nampa charter schools died Sunday in a rollover crash that also seriously injured her husband and sons.

Karen Kristine "Kris" Jensen, 51, died in a single vehicle crash on Interstate 84 east of La Grande about 2 p.m. Sunday, according to Oregon State Police. Jens Jensen, Karen's husband, and her sons Noah Jensen, 20, and Elijah Jensen, 29, suffered serious injuries after the crash ejected them from the family's 2003 Ford Explorer.

Police say driver fatigue may have contributed to the fatal crash. The vehicle drifted onto the right gravel shoulder and struck a highway marker, then veered into the center median where it rolled, officials said.

The three injured men went by air ambulance to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise for treatment.

As of Monday night, both Jens and Elijah Jensen remained in serious condition, while Noah Jensen was in fair condition.

Oregon State Police troopers from the La Grande area command office are continuing the investigation.

Officials said it's unclear whether any of the occupants had seat belts on at the time of the crash.

Schools acknowledge woman's work

Karen Jensen served as a clerk for Liberty and Victory charter school boards and as secretary for Liberty. She also worked in several capacities at both schools for many years, according to Liberty Charter School's Web site.

Bart McKnight, chairman of Liberty's school board, said he has worked with Jensen for several years and called both her and her husband "lifelong friends."

"Kris (Jensen) was a vibrant individual always ready to help others, to be kind and considerate. She was very capable of doing any job that we gave to her, and always did it with a smile and with the understanding that it would be done," McKnight said.

The home page of Nampa's Liberty Charter School Web site displayed a note Monday from school administrators and school board members expressing their regret and sorrow at the death of Jensen, whom the note described as "an integral colleague."

"She will be terribly missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family as they deal with this tragedy," the note read.

School officials created a bank account through U.S. Bank for donations to help with the family's medical expenses. For more information on how to donate, visit libertycharterschool.com.

Comments:

My heart goes out to the Jensen family, may you be strong and stick together as a family through this time of pain.. You have many people that love you and support you. Peace be with you always. .....And people (aka 'Jamie')- PLEASE refrain from posting such crude comments, and alway remember karma is a B$#%@.
******* - 12:29 AM, Saturday August 15, 2009
This really sucks, Kris and the rest of the Jensen family are all really great people and It Is just not fair. They are all strong people and the family will keep moving forward because they do not know any different, Thats just the type of people they are! I was glad to have known Kris since I was a little kid along with other members of the Jensen family and may she rest In peace.
Andrew Maier - 3:09 PM, Thursday August 6, 2009
If the seat belt issue was not relevant,the newspaper would not have mentioned it.
wackattack69 - 6:28 PM, Wednesday August 5, 2009
I don't see what point you are trying to get across. With every statement you make you just make yourself sound that much more of a COLD person! It must be hard for you to read Black & White and try and understand what I am saying. Seat belts or not you can still have the same kind of outcome in a accident. My Point is what has happened has happened, you can't take it back, you can't change the outcome, and you have to deal with it now from this day forward. Maybe if you new the family or even if it was one of your own family members you would have a little more RESPECT than to get on Idaho Press Tribune and write not 1 but 2 comments like that. "I think we all get the point, So You Could Have A Little More Compassion and Just LEAVE IT ALONE!"
KAP - 10:42 AM, Wednesday August 5, 2009
Actually the seat belts are a good part of the issue..same as if motorcyclists were not wearing a helmet. If they were indeed not wearing seatbelts, perhaps the outcome would not have been so tragic.
jamie - 9:12 PM, Tuesday August 4, 2009
Anyone who can honestly put up a comment like that should be ashamed of your self. Did it ever occur to you that this family has suffered and will continue to suffer enough without your child like comments! Our Thoughts and Prayers are with The Family each and every day that passes! Kris Will Be Missed By Us All.....
KAP - 4:22 PM, Tuesday August 4, 2009
It's important for bifak to mention it because you are RARELY ejected if you have your seatbelt on....RARELY.
jamie - 4:11 PM, Tuesday August 4, 2009
The seatbelts aren't the issue here that is besides the point, the issue is what the family is going through and the heartache that they all have and will continue to have. Is it possibel to just be Respectful and not post things like that!!!!!!
KAP - 4:42 PM, Tuesday August 4, 2009
they dont know if seat belts were used? thats hard to believe.
bifdak - 11:10 AM, Tuesday August 4, 2009
why is the only thing you have to say is something inconsiderate? be respectful with your words. So what if "they dont know if seatbelts were used," someone lost their life, and a family will forever be changed. God bless the family, my prayers are with you.
hillari - 3:28 PM, Tuesday August 4, 2009


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