Although her injuries appeared to be healing, Rupp’s overall physical condition started to deteriorate. Rupp started complaining of pain, she became fatigued and experienced what was believed to be the symptoms of anxiety. She abruptly died March 20 and an autopsy revealed that the cause was a pulmonary embolism stemming from her injuries.Ranked among the finest Chinese brush painters in the United States, the internationally recognized Rupp had studied in China. She had a studio in the Ojai Arcade and was president of the Ojai Studio Artists.Drugs and alcohol were ruled out as factors in the accident, and Dorrell was not cited at the time of the mishap.“There was no reason for anyone to believe that the victim’s injuries were life-threatening,” said the VCSD spokesman, “and we’re still investigating the accident. . .there have been no citations issued for this incident. Overall, it’s been very unfortunate for everyone involved.”
Investigation into accident-related death of Ojai artist continuing
April 06, 2001
Santa Paula News
The investigation of a traffic mishap that led to the death of an internationally recognized noted Ojai artist is continuing, and no citations have been issued to the Santa Paula man who allegedly started the chain-reaction accident that led to the woman’s death over a week later.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe investigation of a traffic mishap that led to the death of an internationally recognized noted Ojai artist is continuing, and no citations have been issued to the Santa Paula man who allegedly started the chain-reaction accident that led to the woman’s death over a week later.Nancy Rupp, 57, died on March 20 in an Ojai hospital after developing a series of blood clots as the result of an accident on March 9 near her Ojai studio.The accident occurred when Rupp was using a crosswalk to get across Ojai Avenue at about 4 p.m. Joseph Sarzotti, 79 of Ojai, had stopped his car to allow Rupp to pass when his vehicle was struck from behind by a pickup truck driven by Michael Dorrell, 29 of Santa Paula.Sarzotti’s vehicle lurched forward into the crosswalk and struck Rupp, who was knocked to the ground. She received moderate injuries in the accident, according to a Ventura County Sheriff’s Department spokesman. Rupp suffered a dislocated knee, a hand injury and cracked a bone in her leg; she was treated and released from an area hospital for the injuries.
