Former McNary Volleyball Coach Killed in Highway 22 Crash

Curtiss Scholl, current superintendent of Sisters School District, was injured in the single-vehicle accident.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 3:55pm

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A former Salem educator, Kellie Jay Scholl, was killed and another, Curtiss Joseph Scholl, was injured in a single-vehicle crash on February 1 on Highway 22 in Linn County, Oregon. Curtiss Scholl, who was driving, lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree. Kellie Scholl, who was the passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Why it matters

The tragic accident has shaken the local education community, as both Kellie and Curtiss Scholl were well-known and respected figures in Salem and Sisters schools. The incident raises questions about highway safety and the circumstances that led to the crash.

The details

According to Oregon State Police, Curtiss Scholl, 55, of Sisters, was driving a blue Hyundai IONIQ westbound on Highway 22 near Idanha when he attempted to pass another vehicle. For an unknown reason, Scholl lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree. Kellie Scholl, 53, also of Sisters, was pronounced dead at the scene. Curtiss Scholl was extricated from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital with injuries.

  • The crash occurred at 11 a.m. on February 1, 2026.
  • The highway was impacted for about four hours during the investigation.

The players

Kellie Jay Scholl

A 53-year-old former head volleyball coach at McNary High School from 2011 to 2015.

Curtiss Joseph Scholl

A 55-year-old current superintendent of Sisters School District who was the principal of Sprague High School from 2009 to 2015.

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What’s next

Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, and the highway was closed for several hours during the investigation.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of highway safety and the profound impact that tragic accidents can have on local communities, especially when they involve respected educators and community leaders.