Police Say 'Huffing' Contributed to Fatal Car Crash Near Jefferson

UPDATE: Investigators have determined that more likely than not Ms. Williams had inhaled Nitrous Oxide gas prior to the crash not C02 as previously reported. The investigation is continuing.

(JEFFERSON, Ore.) - Police say 23-year old Falon Rae Williams of Albany was driving a 2002 Ford Taurus with three passengers aboard, when it left the road and crashed into a tree on Marion-Jefferson Road Monday about 5:00 PM.

Passengers in the vehicle were 23-year old Michael Evan Matthews, of Tangent, Ore., 19-year old Paul Hartzell of Jefferson, Ore., and 17-year old Rebeckah Jo Ann Crisman, of Junction City, Ore.

Rebeckah Crisman, who was seated in the right rear seat was transported to Albany General Hospital where she later died of her injuries at approximately 1:08 AM (August 26th).

The Marion County Sheriff's Office CRASH Team responded to investigate. All occupants were transported to various hospitals.

Police initially said the investigation revealed that Falon Williams had deliberately inhaled gas vapors from a CO2 cylinder prior to the crash.

Investigators have now determined that more likely than not Ms. Williams had inhaled Nitrous Oxide gas.

It is believed the inhalation or "huffing" of these gases impaired Ms. Williams' ability to safely operate the vehicle.

The driver, Ms. Williams, was transported to Good Sanitarian Hospital in Corvallis. Her injuries were minor and she was subsequently released.

Mr. Matthews who was in the front passenger seat had sustained at least a fractured leg. He was transported and admitted to Good Samarian Hospital.

Mr. Hartzell who was a rear seat passenger, sustained internal injuries and was transported to Albany General Hospital and then sent to OSHU where he was admitted.

Based upon the investigation, authorities say the vehicle had crashed into a tree.

The impact deployed the vehicle's airbags. It is unknown at this time whether the occupants had been wearing their safety belts. None of the occupants were thrown from the vehicle.

Falon Williams was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail where she was lodged on charges of Manslaughter in the Second Degree; Assault in the Second degree (two counts); and Driving While under the Influence of Inhalants.

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Lacey Matthews April 10, 2009 9:10 pm (Pacific time)

I was not there when Beckkah died. She was a sister to me. There has been too much bashing from my side of the family, due to all the emotion involved. Beckkah was her own person and true, any wrong that was in her life was by her own doing, and not her familys. To Beckkah's mother, I've driven her to your house, I've met you and I know you loved your daughter. The place where she was living was not a good environment for her but she was working towards bettering her life all the time. She loved her Mom, she loved her sister, and despite what my family has said, Beckkah did not live with them for a year, nor did they know her for 2 years. I'd known her a year and she'd met my family after she met me. She lived with me and my family for a short time in March and for a brief period prior to her death. All I can say is that she's greatly missed. She was so full of life, I don't think I'd met anyone as full of life as she was. It breaks my heart and I miss her every day. The fight here with words is ridiculous. Can't we all celebrate her life together instead of nit picking after she's gone? Tana, I am focusing my comments towards my own family, not you. I have 3 kids and I can't imagine the pain you're going through. If you ever want to get ahold of me, my email is laceym1983@gmail.com, I was a true friend to your daughter, I love her to no end, and I'm deeply sorry for your suffering. Unfortunately I can not shed any light on what truly did happen that day. I had quit living in Tangent with my father long before the accident occurred.

Tana September 18, 2008 10:35 am (Pacific time)

I am the Mother of Rebeckah-Jo. Crisman-Tanner. I Told the D.A. I wouldn't say much about this tragic car crash, but I have to say one thing I can't hate people I don't know, and I feel for every person involved in the accident and their families. My main problem, is I want truthful answers to my questions to help me understand and get through this heartbreaking time. I understand the D.A. doesn't have all the facts/information yet, so Mr. Matthews if you could please shed some light on things for me, that would help. I was there for Falon's arrignment, I was shocked you were not, I really wanted to talk to you. I also ask that you please do not "BASH" me or my family verbally or in writting, you do not know us or what Rebeckah-Jo's life was really like....there are 2 sides to every story. I would also like to know were her dog Blue is. My contact info is cricket221967@yahoo.com

Anonymous September 13, 2008 12:15 pm (Pacific time)

As I know Rebeckah Loved me and my family. she was so amazing AND UNDERSTOOD SO MUCH. You will never know how deeply she was loved. She Lived with me for a year and was getting ready to move back in so she would finish school and I was going to get her a job at Carls Junior. What happened is a Tragic accident and I really do feel for you all. I am so sorry for your loss but ask me and the other passenger and if Rebeckah was alive still she would tell you Falon never took a whip it while driving and yes I am sorry that I allowed Rebeckah to do whipits but she is your family and you know better than every one that you can not tell becka what to do. But with it all KNow that it was nothing more than a tragic accident and I swear because of the gravel and the rain it was unavoidable! and me and Paul swear to this. Rebbeckah was never disliked by anyone and those that were with her loved her dearly you think you are the only ones hurt. WHERE DID BECKA RUN TO WHEN YOU GUYS PULLED YOUR CRAP AND DONT MAKE ME SAY WHAT. Becka hated where she lived and the crap her FAMILY MADE HER DO! She was with famiy. I don't need you to understand or even comprehend. But if you are her family also then you know what she went through every day. I raised and took care of Becka for a whole year man. you want to find a bad guy in this there is none! Dont act all noble now though. Becka was out on her own not with re "Family for over two years I know her whole story Because she trusted me. I have always been there for her and I would have liked to be there or you. But I dont think that is possible you have hate for me and this I undestand. But if there is anything I can do to help you with this let me know please.

A Very Close Family Friend September 6, 2008 4:46 am (Pacific time)

There are 2 things the "real" family of Rebeckah-Jo would like to know: The first, is how a "brother" as you claim to be could allow his minor "sister" to be involved in such activities as huffing. Second of all, if you were so close to Rebeckah-Jo why is it that none of you could even give authorities her last name so her "real" family could be notified and be at her side during this crisis?

Becka is always loved and missed. September 1, 2008 4:41 pm (Pacific time)

Becka was and still is my little sister. Her loss is so tragic that you would never understand it. I am her older brother she trusted me and Falon and her new boyfriend Paul. You don't have any right to throw her death onto my head. I am sorry if this upsets you but don't think to know our pain at her loss.

j August 30, 2008 2:59 am (Pacific time)

I DONT GIVE A FLYING FREAK IF YOU DID IT A DAY BEFORE THE CRASH. WHIPPETS MESS YOU UP IN THE HEAD AND PROBABLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE MYSTERIOUS "BLACKOUT" THAT CAUSED THIS CRASH. YOU SELFISH PEOPLE GOT TO WALK AWAY WITH A BROKEN BONE AND SOME SCRATCHES AND THIS YOUNG GIRL IS DEAD!

Anonymous August 29, 2008 8:51 pm (Pacific time)

she was huffing wippets and on coke and shrooms

Michael Evan Matthews August 28, 2008 9:14 pm (Pacific time)

First and formost I dont care what anyone says I was there Falon did not intentionally inhale any CO2 while driving though all three passengers did. She had take a single hit of a whip it while whe were parked at Jeffeson Market. We did not move from this spot for at least 5 to 6 minutes after she had finished. WAY PASSED the 30 SECONDS that the CO2 affects you. While driving like I Told officers Falon was reaching for her Rockstar in the cup holder and from what I gathered she got light headed for a second or maybe blacked out but she was not impaired by any MEANS. I am also not happy that the officers did not ask for my story more than they told me how the accident happened. My rights and Falons where infringed upon while we where still under trauma.forcing us to answer questions that I for one did not understand at the time. Now Becca is dead and she was like a little sister to me and my whole family and we mourn her loss deeply. But Falon should not be put on as the aggressor. It was a peer and simple accident that turned fatal and now the courts and police would like to hang Falon out there and throw her to the dogs. I am sitting in a hospital bed for the last four days and in this time my life has fallen apart. and the woman I love is wrongfully in jail for outrageous charges. All I can tell you is that I was there I was right next to Falon in the car and all she did to cause a crash was reach for her drink. I wish you could see the fear and pain I saw in Falons face that day. and Becca and Paul both stated to her repeatedly before we were hauled off that it was not her fault, that it would have happened to any one and it has time and time again we all know this. But she dose not deserve to go to jail for `15 years to life for this. Paul would tell you the same thing and so would Becca had she still been here. All I ask is that you listen you don't have to believe but know that Falon is no idiot she would not risk us her friends to get a head rush. Oh and if any one know how I could get the DA to drop off my charges against her please let me know. they are not going to use my injuries to lock up the woman i love.

Anonymous August 27, 2008 9:37 am (Pacific time)

No wonder the cops had to update their story, they don't even know you can't huff a cylinder! that's real street smarts. not!

EazyMoney August 27, 2008 7:32 am (Pacific time)

Police initially said the investigation revealed that Falon Williams had deliberately inhaled gas vapors from a CO2 cylinder prior to the crash. Investigators have now determined that more likely than not Ms. Williams had inhaled Nitrous Oxide gas. Gas vapors from a C02 cylinder? C02 cylinders contain carbon dixoide or C02. Not N20 or Nitrous Oxide. Therefore it must have been an N20 cylinder right?

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Police Say 'Huffing' Contributed to Fatal Car Crash Near Jefferson

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