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November 30, 2009 in City
Victim in downtown hit-and-run crash dies
A woman struck by a suspected drunken driver in a hit-and-run crash in downtown Spokane has died.
Elaine Price-Cornell, 63, died Saturday after being struck at Browne Street and Spokane Falls Boulevard about 10:30 p.m. Nov. 20.
She was visiting Spokane on a shopping trip from her home in Olds, Alberta, police said.
Cameron B. Olsness, 24, was arrested after he ditched is 1999 Suburban a few blocks away and ran, according to court documents. His girlfriend told police he’d had “at least five shots of Tequila and multiple mixed drinks,” according to an affidavit.
Olsness is in Spokane County Jail on $50,000 bail for charges of felony hit and run and vehicular assault, which likely will be amended to vehicular homicide.
Police searched the Suburban last week. Seized items included brass knuckles and a baggie of marijuana, according to a search warrant.
Olsness was convicted of drunken driving in 2005, and was arrested on the same charge again Sept. 14, according to court records.
In the September arrest, Olsness’ blood-alcohol level was 0.147 after he was pulled over in the Suburban at 2:17 p.m., according to his citation. The legal limit for driving is 0.08.
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chriswhelan on November 30 at 7:52 p.m.
chriswhelan on November 29 at 5:01 p.m.
I would like to make a closing note. My name is Chris and I am the husband of the deceased, Elaine Price Cornell’s son’s ex-wife. My wife and I have two of her grandchildren wondering why and what their grandmother was doing in Spokane Washington. Elaine was there shopping for Christmas gifts for her children, grandchildren and one great grandson.Now all they will receive for Christmas is at least a 5 figure medical bill all thanks to one inconsiderate man.
The grandchildren and family would like to sincerely thank the Travel Lodge Convention Center, Spokane Police Department, Staff and medical team at the hospital and supporting citizens of Spokane for their care and support during this difficult time.
I, Chris, would like to wish Cameron Olsness a Merry Christmas and God Bless.
Dustin on December 01 at 1:28 a.m.
My name is Dustin and Cam is my best friend. I am truley sorry for everything that has happened. I am writing this for the family of Elaine Price Cornell, so maybe you guys can have some answers. Cam is a good guy. I grew up with Cam, we went to high school together, I know him as well as a friend can know someone.Please feel free ( Cornell family) to e mail me if you have any questions you want answered, and I will try to answer them. And thank you Chris, for wishing Cam a Merry Christmas, and the blessings. I would like to wish your family a Merry Christmas, and God Bless all of you! nickanddustin@hotmail.com
FamilyFromCanada on December 01 at 5:42 p.m.
Dustin,that was my mother that your best friend,who is nothing more then a drunken murderer,killed.I hope he rots in jail and never sees the light of day,even that is much too good for him.He has not only ruined this Christmas but the lives of all our children and grandchildren that will never be able to spend time with the woman who was wonderful in every way,FOREVER.His track record speaks volumes for itself not to mention he couldn’t even stop his vehicle to offer assistance to my mom,but he had to be hunt down by a police helicoper,like the cowardly dog he is.You should really choose your friends more wisely,as I can’t help but wonder had it been your mom that he mowed over if you would feel the same way.I wish Cam a Merry Christmas in hell.