Traffic Incident Information for the Yosemite Area

[Mibrew]

<H1 ALIGN=CENTER>One dies in Highway 41 crash</H1>By David Richards
editor@sierrastar.com
www.sierrastar.com (http://www.sierrastar.com)
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<table width=265 align="left" BORDER=0><tr><td width=250 valign=top>http://www.sierrastar.com/090104onedies.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=250 ALIGN=RIGHT><font face="verdana, helvetica, arial, ms sans serif" size=1>David Richards
</TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH=250><font face="helvetica, arial, ms sans serif" size="2" color="#000066">Officer Bob Welch of the California Highway Patrol takes notes at the scene of a head-on collision last week, approximately five miles south of the Highway 41 entrance to Yosemite National Park. </font></p></td><td width=2><font size="4">http://www.sierrastar.com/images/spacer.gif</font></td></tr><tr><td width=254 valign=top colspan="2"><font size="4">http://www.sierrastar.com/images/spacer.gif</font></td></tr></table>
<p class="justify">A Salinas woman died, three others were injured and traffic was backed up in both directions on Highway 41 for at least an hour Aug. 26 following a two-vehicle collision roughly five miles south of the Yosemite National Park entrance.
Officer George Guidicotti of the California Highway Patrol said 56-year-old Darlene Estes, who was driving a 2003 Dodge Neon, died as a result of the crash. Both passengers, a 16-year-old Salinas boy and Brandi Brooks, 21, of Monterey, were transported to St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno and treated for moderate injuries.

Isaac A. Wenglin, 26, of Van Nuys, was driving a 2005 Dodge Van, the other vehicle involved in the incident, and was taken to St. Agnes for minor injuries. The lone passenger of the van, Chris Harris, 25, of Chatsworth, was uninjured.


According to police reports, Wenglin was driving the van southbound on Highway 41 south of Miami Trail at an undetermined speed headed to Oakhurst. At the same time, Darlene Estes was traveling northbound on Highway 41 south of Miami Trail at an undetermined speed headed into Yosemite National Park.
As both parties approached from opposite directions, Wenglin allowed his vehicle to drift from the southbound lane into the northbound lane, headed directly toward Estes.

The two vehicles collided head on.

Reports indicate that all passengers in the Dodge Neon, including Darlene Estes, were wearing safety constraints, as were Wenglin and Harris.
Both vehicles had airbag deployments.

As a result of the accident, Wenglin was booked into the Madera County Department of Corrections for felony man slaughter and felony driving under the influence. He was released on $50,000 bail.

Guidicotti, who was the first officer to arrive on scene, said Smith will be scheduled to return to Madera County facing the counts charged against him.

Aiding police at the scene were fire and medical personnel from both Madera and Mariposa counties.

[CatdaBrat]

That's terrible, how you can be going along, all happy to be heading to Yosemite for a fun day, then in an instant, be slaughtered on the highway ... and for what? Because some idiot's idea of a "fun day" meant having too many drinks (or drugs maybe) and then they got behind the wheel. Don't even get me started. Wonder if this guy had any priors. It's a good thing I am not a judge, most people would hate me.

[monkey]

I saw the cars from the accident on my way home from work. It was awful. One of my friends said they had to amputate the lady's leg in order to remove her body from her car. What does it take for people to stop drinking and driving? It just breaks my heart.

[tocools]

I see that now thanks

[monkey]

It says at the bottom of the article that Wenglin was booked for "felony manslaughter and felony driving under the influence". I agree that the person probably feels bad, but his actions took a life and he needs to be held responsible.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

Did any one see any thing about the accident on hwy 41 last week (tuesday AM?)just below the turn off to O'neils? I never saw anything in the paper.. but i did see the news crews at the scene of the accident. traffic was HELD up big time for that one.

[somerbreze]

It was really strange coming across this site. And I know its been awhile since it was started. But I just have to input my info too. Not even sure at this point if this will be seen. But it will make me feel better. The Salinas woman that died in that accident was my sister.Brandi is my daughter. The 3rd passenger is my sisters 15 yr old son. They were on they're way to Yosemite for the weekend. The other driver is currently being charged with Felony manslaughter, felony DUI(he was under the influence of marijuana & hash), 2 counts of bodily injury. He is just now getting his preliminary hearing this month. My sisters foot was not amputated but rather with the impact of accident,her foot was left it "near amputation". No one was speeding but the other driver,Isaac, as high as he was, crossed the center divider and my sister had no time to react. This was such a tragedy for both families, bad choices for the other driver. Well, thanks for hearing me out...Anne(Monterey)

[Californee Girl]

Im sorry to hear about your sister somer. Thats my biggest fear when Im driving..that someone will cross over into my lane. I hope your presence in this thread reminds us all of the people in these accidents. Sometimes its way too easy to get caught up in the gawking and we forget about the lifes involved.

[Sandman]

I am so sorry for your loss Anne. Best wishes to you and the rest of your family while going through this difficult time.

[only1alphafemale]

I too am so sorry about your loss Somerbreze. I know there is no consolation to be readily found, or words to help ease such a loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[somerbreze]

I wanted to thank you all for your kind words and prayers. It really means a lot. Kinda weird, but knowing that you have heard about my sister and had something to say in this forum makes me feel sorta connected in a way. I don't know you and you didn't know her. But there are real people out there that care about other peoples lives. Thank you again.

[somerbreze]

Thank you for your kind words. But I also did want to make known that the info about Isaac being high was not obtained by the media nor the police. It was, in fact, his passengers own statement that they had just smoked, plus a toxology test result which showed the THC level as being extremely high. If the test was wrong, thats who's mistake? If his passenger was lying, why? Isaac himself was quoted in the accident report saying he "smoked" several hours before. He had only been on the road for a short time, it was 1:25 in the afternoon...why was he tired? Anyways, like I said, I do thank you for your kind words. But still, not all facts are known by all people. My family spent the afternoon at the cemetary yesterday. I have NEVER doubted that Isaac is also tremendously affected by this. And, as a matter of fact, I don't hate him like the rest of my family does. But what did HE do on Thanksgiving this year? My sisters 15 yr old son has no mother, either.............well, I can't carry a heavy heart over Isaac, I have to be there for my family, my nephew who watched his mother die, my own daughter who was also in the car and had to deal with it all and suffer her own injuries. Please, everyone, please remember that altho I agree that people mean well, not ALL facts are known by ALL people. Even if this happened because Isaac was "tired" (which I highly doubt considering the circumstances) he still has to be accountable for his actions. If he was that tired, he shouldn't have been on that road at 55 miles an hour risking my sisters, or anyone elses, life! Anne

[candyappleisland]

I agree. There are plenty of excuses in the world, but nothing can erase responsibility.

It's too bad people see things as legal or illegal, rather than what is right and what is wrong.

[somerbreze]

As I said before, I do understand what you're saying. However, when I'm too tired to drive, I wouldn't drive. As before, being that tired, driving all night, hiking, etc, WHY was he behind the wheel then? Even more reason for him to be acountable for his actions, as we all know now, the risk he took which resulted in a loss of life at his hands. Thats still a choice he made. He shouldn't have been driving in that condition.(that tired). I also know about THC levels and I also know that Isaac stated in the accident report that he smoked the night before..thats certainly not indicating "weeks". As her sister, and she was my onlysister, it gives me some peace to know he suffers from this as well. No, there are no excuses. All I want is for him to be accountable and responsible for the action he took that resulted in the accident that ended her life because he was "too tired to drive" and choice to drive anyways.

[Kahlua Kid]

In these situations no one wins.

Hoping peace can come to both families, but I know it will most likely be a long time before that can happen.

I'm sorry for the loss of your sister and your family's grieving and missing her. And I'm sorry for the loss on Isaac's side. He'll have a long road to go as well.

[somerbreze]

I do have to say one last thing and then I'm not discussing this further until after the court makes a decision. Sabra, you stated you had "distant knowledge" of the accident. Obvioulsy I have much more. I wasn't there but my daughter was. I saw the accident report, I saw Isaacs statement in that report. I saw pictures of the accident, I went to my sister funeral who died at the hands of Isaac. With only distant knowledge on your part and as you said, not judging unless you were there...and you saying "no excuses"...it appears to me that thats exactly what you're doing. Minimizing, excusing, and judging based on distant knowledge. Isaac attempted to apologize to my daughter in the ambulance. For what, if he did nothing wrong? For you to suggest that if my family knew Isaac it would help their grief is a major insult! If you ever lose someone you love, tragically & suddenly at the hands of someone else, whether accident or on purpose, then you can talk about how I or my family should feel. I feel for Isaac, I really do. He has no record, he didn't decide that morning he would take a life that day. His mistake was his stupidity to get behind that wheel. Where was the smarts on that? His life too has/will change forever. Lots of lives have been ruined, including his own. One last question...if Isaac feels so bad for this then why has he not taken the responsibility and gone to court to plea? Why is he not stepping up to the plate? He feels so bad that he's dragging this out for everyone else. My family would like some closure and he's delaying that. He feels bad alright, but more for himself, not my family.

[Coldwolf]

Sabra, i think you should quietly back away. You are causing pain by your continued arguing, not helping with healing.

[Yosemite Joy]

Originally posted by sabra514:
I really am sorry that you think I'm minimizing anything, but you are also on one side of this.Why do you automatically believe that the police report that you read is the truth and not what the police want your family to believe? Haven't you read many times about police making a case even when they have to "re-arrange" the truth a little? The attornies are the ones that make decisions in delaying things, the police make the decisions in delaying things, not Isaac.And by the way, did the police mention to you that Isaac was the one who held your sister's hand and prayed with her until the paramedics came?If he apologized to your daughter, I'm sure it was an apology for an ACCIDENT< not for something at fault. When did the word ACCIDENT lose its meaning? When the police want it to look like they want?Please I am not meaning to make more pain for you, but I know that pain blinds the whole truth sometimes. And also, do you think that by punishing Isaac for this accident it will help bring closure to your family? What will it help? Teach him a lesson??I don't profess to have any answers here, but I do know that punishments are meant for criminals who intentionally hurt someone, not for accidents. Everything that we have discussed here sounds like a lot of pain on both sides to me, again my deepest prayers are with you. I hope God helps your family in their pain and grief.I won't be bothering you with these posts anymore. God Bless you and yours.

I think that you are way out of line arguing with a woman who just lost her sister. Have you lost your mind? There are certain lines that one should not cross. What are you expecting her to say? If this Issac admitted to smoking marijuana and being overly tired then he deserves to go to jail for manslaughter, or something similar.

The DA obviously believes that there is enough evidence to pursue a case against Issac.

If you don't "profess" to have any answers on the subject or on what Issac's punishment should be then why are you saying anything?

Why would you argue such a thing with a griefing person? Have you no sympathy or common sense?

You deserve a smack in the face the way you are repeatedly smacking somerbreze's heart.

[whatever]

Hello Yosemite Joy!
Let me just say thanks for standing up & saying something in the name of sanity.
Darlene was also my sister.
I was her baby brother.
I also wanted to share with you, (because of your screen name), that one of the many things Darlene shared with us was her love for Yosemite as a sacred place. She was driving my niece & nephew there to introduce them to it, but they never made it. Now they are so traumatized, they feel they never will. The ripples of this event will never cease for our family. Hopefully justice will prevail and see to it that the same is true for the other side. Our naivety was lost on August 24,2004.
Respectfully, there is NO WAY that his innocence should remain intact.
The selfishness that is reflected in that woman’s view is terrible.
That boy obviously has too many mother hens willing to be the enablers, & so they too are responsible for his using(both he & his passenger admitted to having done so).
The blind leading the blind.
She actually deludes herself into thinking that the cops, the lawyers.
Everyone else has a dubious reason for pursuing justice except the one person truly at fault.
Having grown up close to the legal system, I can tell you, most cops are on the side of justice, & they dont beat false confessions out of good people, despite what you see on tv).
When he has lost a sister, a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, an aunt, a cherished hospital colleague of over 20 years, a Sunday school teacher, a matriarch, & the very glue which held his family together, then they can talk of his suffering.
Not the nail biting he has endured during his year of freedom since he took her life.
That is nothing compared to what he deserves.
God may have his own plan for reconciling what folks do in in the afterlife,
We who are still here have responsibilities to ensure justice is respected as well.
Thanks again,

Respectfully,
Mikey

[Kim]

Mikey and Somer;
Thare are always people who feel that excuses need to be made when young people screw up. I agree, there needs to be consequences when we make stupid decisions or less and less responsibility will be taken and the world will go to hell in a handbasket on a faster track than it seems to be going now. If Sabra is reading this, thank you for stopping posting on this subject. I hope you never have to feel the pain that anyone is feeling here. Isaac may very well have been supportive of the family at the accident site, but men step up all the way through. I can say with certainty that my husband, my father, my brother in law, all would have pled guilty and started serving their time because even when it's unpleasant, you do what you have to do. They would either be behind bars or doing a million community service hours, but they would be taking responsibility.
I hope someday your niece and nephew decide to continue their mother's love for Yosemite and come see why she loved it. As a mother, I know that I would be more honored if my daughter continued my valued traditions. I believe there are a lot of people here who would be escorting their car up to, around, and home from the park, starting with mine.
Have a blessed Christmas.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

"Sigh".... how long is this gonna go on?

[TOT]

Originally posted by Yosemite_Wolf:
"Sigh".... how long is this gonna go on?

well... that's the thing about death, see...

[cyncere1]

Originally posted by sabra514:
.And by the way, did the police mention to you that Isaac was the one who held your sister's hand and prayed with her until the paramedics came?.

I was actually at the scene of the crime, i was in the car with my aunt darlene who died because of isaac and i can say from first hand knowledge and as being a witness, isaac DID NOT hold my aunt's hand and pray with her like was said, no one was even next to the car because we were afraid if anyone touched it, it would go further down the side of the mountain we were on, isaac was standing on the side of the road watching. I personally did not take my eyes away from the car, i wanted to see signs of my aunt being ok and alive, so i watched the car the whole time and never saw him come close to her at all, once the paramedics came he was sitting on the ground behind me and i was still watching the car, watching my aunt die because of him. unless you were there and have seen what i have seen and have the images i have stuck in my mind, do not sit there and say isaac did anything he did not do, just to make him look like the good guy

[Kim]

Cyncere, all that's over here, honey. No one's debating it anymore, just trying to show support for your family. Just let all this go and take a lesson from it. Listen to your Mom and don't ever do anything yourself that puts anyone in this situation.
No point in dragging any much more than that out, in my opinion.

[Nascar8Fan]

Can this topic please be closed? This is a very tragic matter and should not go any further on here...

[somerbreze]

I'd be glad to end this subject on this site for all those who have no interest (and I do understand). But I do want to say this: you're right, punishment does not bring peace. HOWEVER, it does bring justice. And that, I believe, is what my family is looking for. Justice for the offender will bring some closure.... and no Sabra, you were not looking at both sides. You attacked my family's side and defended Isaacs side. But no sense in trying to debate that one either...........hope everyone enjoys their holidays.......

[rimalicious]

Originally posted by Nascar8Fan:
Can this topic please be closed? This is a very tragic matter and should not go any further on here...

I agree ... enough already!

[Yosemite Joy]

Yes I agree. Let somerbreze have the last word and close it.

[John @ 3300ft.]

I would like the topic to remain open so that someone can post the trial outcome.

If it's so upsetting for those who have no interest in the topic, I suggest they stop reading it. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/annoyed.gif

[Yosemite_Wolf]

someone can post the outcome of trial in a diff thread. I am sick of this bickering back and forth.

[Kahlua Kid]

I believe we are adults and if they choose to "bicker" (I prefer the term debate) then that is their business.

Noone has to visit this thread if they don't want to.

As long as there are no personal attacks, they are not breaking any forum rules.

Perhaps stating some of their pent-up frustration here is cathartic.

I agree, this is a very sensitive topic and would hope everyone will be sensitive to each other.

However, to the family members and friends of those involved, please consider that some of what you may be discussing could be confidential information that may be best held at bay until any potential hearing.

[John @ 3300ft.]

http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/applause.gif

[somerbreze]

Originally posted by John @ 3300ft.:
I would like the topic to remain open so that someone can post the trial outcome.

If it's so upsetting for those who have no interest in the topic, I suggest they stop reading it. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/annoyed.gif

Thats kinda what I wanted to say but people are seeming too sensitive here. But those who are not interested can simply click "delete". I hate people minimizing the fact that someone killed my sister...there are other topics and they don't have to involve themselves in this one. Anyways, I will post the trial outcome. Thanks...

[somerbreze]

Originally posted by Kahlua Kid:
I believe we are adults and if they choose to "bicker" (I prefer the term debate) then that is their business.

Noone has to visit this thread if they don't want to.

As long as there are no personal attacks, they are not breaking any forum rules.

Perhaps stating some of their pent-up frustration here is cathartic.

I agree, this is a very sensitive topic and would hope everyone will be sensitive to each other.

However, to the family members and friends of those involved, please consider that some of what you may be discussing could be confidential information that may be best held at bay until any potential hearing.

I would rather not refer to a discussion about someone killing my sister as "bickering". Its only been a little over a year and wounds are still fresh. Especially around the holidays. Bickering its not. Pent up frustration, maybe. In addition, I went that extra step to make sure that anything I said was already public information. Everything I mentioned is in the accident report which is open to the public. I wouldn't risk the trial by no means, believe me....Sorry if any of this offended anyone. Drive safely during this holiday season. And keep your loved ones safe from those who don't....

[Dodgergirl]

Somer, I've been reading this topic with a lot of interest since it was first posted. I want to express my sympathy for you & your family, especially your daughter, (?) who I hope has received counseling for her trauma. I wanted to close this topic a week or so back, but because I was under the influence of pain meds I didn't know if it was 'my' understanding of what was being said or if things were really getting inappropriate.
These 'things' as others call them 'happen' and we all move on... In a word, Not.
It'll be 13 years in May since we lost our 16 year old. Violently, Maliciously and Unnecessarily. Still trying to obtain justice. Yeah, I do LA court appearances whenever they call... at a moments notice.
What you gotta do is find the peace and lok for the messages your sister sends you. They're out there, you just gotta open your eyes. Teach your kids to look for them, too. Those are the important things, not what a bunch of us silly people on online boards spout off (sometimes without thinking), yet sometimes those same people can be the most compassionate gruop you'll ever meet.

And guys, I know y'all were leaning to this being closed, but I finally had a few minutes where I could sit up & respond.

[rimalicious]

drove by it this morning about 7:40am. Scott saw the body on the road partially covered. Fortunately I was looking the other way and just saw the car battery that had apparently been ejected and was a few hundred feet up the road. It was a silver or white pickup truck, single vehicle accident.

[oakhurstleaf]

That is so tragic. I feel so bad for those who've just learned they lost a loved one. This kind of thing happens way too often...

[Nascar8Fan]

How devistating. That poor family. My heart goes out to them.

[BGW]

A death in the family at the holidays just plain sucks. Both of my Grandparents passed away close to Thanksgiving. My Grandmother had made all of our 'special' Christmas decorations i.e. stockings, first ornaments etc. We couldn't look at them that first year.

Am going to spend some time w/ a friend to day who's husband passed away 4 years ago today. The holidays truly are a bummer for her.

It is so sad to hear of deaths this time of year.

[Michelle]

Very sad news today...

the accident that happen this morning on road 222
was the husband of my girlfriend. she just called me 5 min.'s ago...

can you guys please do me a favor and


Pray for her..she is so upset...broken hearted right now and I am so so so sad.......I need to
gather my thoughts and remember to always tell your spouse you love them everyday...

my heart is sad right now.....


thank you

[monkey]

One of my employees was following the vehicle on 222 when the accident happened. He said he stopped and ran over to the car and it was obvious the driver had already passed. HE said the driver had been driving very eratically for sometime before the accident. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

[Michelle]

I just got a phone call from my boss.

She as we all are are upset.

but we work for Best Western in Oakhurst. At work we are putting something together for her. She has no money nothing and I am asking anyone who would find it in( even though you don't know her or her hubby at all ) your hearts to drop by the Best Western and donate a little money toward to her to help. we have a card starting and a collection to help her. Please I know it is christmas and money is tight ( i know first hand) but if you can I would be very thankful.
.50 cents a 1.00 whatever you can...
I have to try something to help out.. i need to try something for her.. i feel so helpless i can't stand it...

just go to the front desk ask for Laura head of housekeeping. when you see her tell her you are there to help for the collection of her employee who just lost her husband and mention my name *Michelle* and you like to donate to the collection...

if you like to talk to me more pm me and we can talk..

thank you
michelle

[oakhurstleaf]

I'm so sorry to hear about this.

I hope the Best Western opens their big fat pocketbook to help her, because they can...they really should.

One of our employees was also witness to the accident...she too said that he was swerving for quite a bit before his car crashed and rolled. She too was one of the 3 or 4 cars that immediately stopped at the scene right after it happened...and he was already gone.

[Choco-chick]

Rd 222 is that Bass Lake road? How awful, I wonder if he was sick or something, or are the roads up there icy already?

[TOT]

Originally posted by Choco-chick:
Rd 222 is that Bass Lake road? How awful, I wonder if he was sick or something, or are the roads up there icy already?

Bass Lake road is VERY icy right now. I almost lost control on it on Saturday.

[Michelle]

well no matter what best western does with there big fat pocket books i am asking if anyone can reach deep in there own pocket book and donate something..they are from North fork area....


my best friend is donating 25.00 to help....

[allsierra123]

He must have been not feeling well the roads were fine through there.and they were dry where he had his accident.I came thrugh right afterword and went on down the mountain to get the highway patrol no ones cell was working there.

[Keres77]

So very sorry to hear about the loss, Truley is a shame http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/no.gif Have they released the name of the man driving?

[John @ 3300ft.]

*Michelle*,
Normally people set up a local bank account in the family's name to collect donations and try to get it publicised in the paper.
Many more people would donate than would otherwise. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/yes.gif

[John @ 3300ft.]

Originally posted by oakhurstleaf:
(snip)...One of our employees was also witness to the accident...she too said that he was swerving for quite a bit before his car crashed and rolled.
Sounds like he may have been having a heart attack or some other medical emergency prior to the accident.

[Michelle]

I know the mans name but I have to ask before I say anything.

I wonder if i can go to the bank and talk to someone about starting that up tomorrow.. thank you I will call Yosemite Bank and find out....

[jjcheyenne]

I drove by just as they were putting him into the van. I felt so bad for the family.

[jan]

Originally posted by *Michelle*:
I know the mans name but I have to ask before I say anything.

I wonder if i can go to the bank and talk to someone about starting that up tomorrow.. thank you I will call Yosemite Bank and find out.... Michelle
email me and tell me who it was ok.
mom

[monkey]

The Fresno Bee said the man's name was Donald Gene Carlton, 45, of North Fork. Accidents like this are so sad...

[Michelle]

Man dies in pickup crash

A North Fork man died when his pickup crashed and overturned Tuesday morning near Bass Lake, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The 7:22 a.m. accident occurred on Avenue 222 near Crass Road. The victim was identified as Donald Gene Carlton, 45, of North Fork.

Carlton was the driver of the pickup. He was found outside the truck, according to CHP reports, but it was not known whether he was ejected.

http://www.fresnobee.com/local/story/11614790p-12345523c.html

[Michelle]

Okay I want to ask..there were a few people who said that they were behind the accident can anyone tell me what happen? I just wanted to know...
you can pm if you like which i think would be good anyways... but please if you know what happen let me know....the cops only tell her so much and I would like to rest her mind to some things...

thanks
Michelle

[CatdaBrat]

My oldest son is getting into a profession that most people consider very dangerous. I get a lot of people asking if that bothers me. But the way things are these days, the riskiest, most dangerous thing anybody can do is get in a car and try to get from Point A to Point B.
I hate to hear about more fatalities from car wrecks ... it's just such a waste. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/sad3.gif *Cat sighs*

[ozimom]

Michelle
I would like to personally thank you for being such a good friend of my sister. I am sure your efforts to help are appreciated by her. I will be looking at the posting to check on updates that you get.


Originally posted by *Michelle*:
Okay I want to ask..there were a few people who said that they were behind the accident can anyone tell me what happen? I just wanted to know...
you can pm if you like which i think would be good anyways... but please if you know what happen let me know....the cops only tell her so much and I would like to rest her mind to some things...

thanks
Michelle

[SierraSnows]

This is so sad right at Christmas time. I am going to give what I can. My Question is do they have any children? If they do it must be really traumatic for them.. We should all do something to help..Any of us could be in that situation at any time.. I will be praying for the family. If everyone just gave a little it would add up.. Do I go to best western or to a bank?

[Michelle]

Right now you can go to the Best Western. ask for Laura Head of housekeeping and she can take care of you... Tell her Michelle sent you and you are there for dontations to Laura for her husband.

thank you

[Michelle]

well you can go to Bank of Madera and talk to Terry ...
I have her paper work but with no car i have no way to get into town. so i am going to call her and set it up over the phone...
i still need her address and such. they will be open Tuesday...

thank you...

[Michelle]

Okay you guys... for those still looking to help out my girlfriend here is some info...

if you like to donate directly to Laura you can send me a pm and I will give you the address or you can go to Bank of Madera in Oakhurst. they are next to Oka's resturant and donate to the account...

She really needs all the support and help for our community...

thank you..

Michelle

[Michelle]

The funeral was today...It was beautiful...It was sad.. It was heartbreaking...I felt like I was useless for her...they released white doves and it was beautiful.
please keep her in your prayers for her and the family.....

thank you to everyone who has prayed for her and was able to donate to help her..she will be moving out of her mobile home soon and might be giving away some stuff she can't take with her..I will keep you all informed when the time comes....

thank you
Michelle

[Dodgergirl]

Michelle, you weren't useless, you were there. Thats all a friend needs to do, just be there. It's a terrible time for her, but the support, love & encouragement of her friends might be all she needs to keep her sane right now. Keep on doing what you're doing.

[Summer]

Michelle, you weren't useless, you were there. Thats all a friend needs to do, just be there. It's a terrible time for her, but the support, love & encouragement of her friends might be all she needs to keep her sane right now. Keep on doing what you're doing.
DG is right. If we were all so lucky to have a friend like you...that is the most special thing in the world.

[Michelle]

hmmmmmmmmmmm funny....... http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[Michelle]

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/freak.gif

[Michelle]

Update:

Okay I finally have the info for people who want to donate to my girlfriend Laura...

Bank: Central Valley Community Bank
address: 40266 Junction Road
Oakhurst, Ca. 93644
559-642-2265
Name of account: Donald Carlton Fund
account number: 011001828


That should be all you need to donate to help her...

Thank you for your support. prayers and donations

She will be also getting rid of some stuff . she can't move all her stuff and it will be either staying there or not.. if there is anything i will post on this section if you are intrested you can pm me .. soon to come...

thanks again.....

Michelle

[John @ 3300ft.]

I will try to get to the bank this Sat.

Been waiting for payday...

[BGW]

Just got an email from my mom stating there is a bad vehicle accident on 41 by the Broken Bit. Anyone know anything more?

[Ironhorse]

My parents went by and they were giving what appeared to be a young girl a field sobriety test alongside the road. They said it looked like a side-swipe accident.

[Yosemite Joy]

In the past couple days? A male teenager or early 20 yr old killed?

Scotty have you heard?

[Coldwolf]

Yes, details not for the open forum. His name was Skyler and I think he was 19.

[Sandman]

One of my myspace friends posted about this in his blog. He posted a few photos. Very sad http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/sad3.gif

[TOT]

Can someone PM me the info please?

[Patagoniamaniac]

CAn someone pm me about this information. I know a skyler around that age..now I'm concerned. THanks...

[CatdaBrat]

Despite all the drugs in the world, gangs, diseases, war, and other pitfalls that can affect our teens, the biggest thing I worried about with my two sons was car wrecks. I guess that's because they are the number one reason for losing kids that age, even though oftentimes it isn't even their fault. My sympathies to the boy's family and friends. I think I met that kid, if it's who I think it is.

[Michelle]

OMG, can someone pm me also I think we new him also...please..

[IMatWORK]

Does anyone have Skylers last name? This is truley a tragedy

[Yosemite Joy]

I think his first name has two r's in the end.

He used to work at Blockbuster.

[Michelle]

I would like to know what happen?

[Sandman]

Skylar Allen died in a car accident on his way to Fresno. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/disappointed.gif

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/djagd99/00.jpg

Please pray for him and his family.

[themartinlady]

Originally posted by somerbreze:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kahlua Kid:
I believe we are adults and if they choose to "bicker" (I prefer the term debate) then that is their business.

Noone has to visit this thread if they don't want to.

As long as there are no personal attacks, they are not breaking any forum rules.

Perhaps stating some of their pent-up frustration here is cathartic.

I agree, this is a very sensitive topic and would hope everyone will be sensitive to each other.

However, to the family members and friends of those involved, please consider that some of what you may be discussing could be confidential information that may be best held at bay until any potential hearing.

I would rather not refer to a discussion about someone killing my sister as "bickering". Its only been a little over a year and wounds are still fresh. Especially around the holidays. Bickering its not. Pent up frustration, maybe. In addition, I went that extra step to make sure that anything I said was already public information. Everything I mentioned is in the accident report which is open to the public. I wouldn't risk the trial by no means, believe me....Sorry if any of this offended anyone. Drive safely during this holiday season. And keep your loved ones safe from those who don't.... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I was wondering if there are any updates about the trial? I know someone who used to know Isaac's mother, so I'm just curious.

Thank you.

[somerbreze]

We're still waiting for Isaac to decide what he wants to do: plead guilty to all charges, accept the DA's offer, or go forward with a trial. Over a year and a half later, we're still at step one.....he's had many many "extensions" and rescheduling of court dates. But if it does go to a trial I'm told this will be all over and we can have some closure just before Christmas.

[Lacey]

I heard on the news that there was a deadly accident on 41 today, near O'Neals. They had no info to speak of on the news. Anyone know more about this? I understand they were detouring traffic for hours!

[Ironhorse]

Happened by the cut. Two children, 2 and 7 yrs were the fatalities. Two cars pulled off the road there, a semi came around the bend and hit them. Happened around noon, should be opening back up about now. That's what my son heard coming home tonight.

[beautiful_mess38]

I was at the fundraiser dinner for Isac Hatfield and everyone was talking about it. And yes the 2 children were killed.

They had 41 closed for awhile, then made a detour.

Very very sad.

[medboysmom]

Was the family involved in the accident local? I didn't hear anything about it but I was working at the Issac Hatfield Benefit, which by the way, did extremely well. Thank you to everyone who showed up and/or donated money.
I am so sad now for this family and the horrible loss of their two children.

[Dodgergirl]

Got detoured on the way to Fresno & again coming back up a few hours later. Took some pics of the Medivac helicopters at the 22 mile house.
was told it was two young children who were killed. All I can do is worry about my babies in my class. When I passed Badger towing on the way to NGI there were two mini vans (SUV's??) on tow trucks pretty bashed up. One was white, the other a teal color.

[Michelle]

Hwy. 41 reopened

The Fresno Bee

(Updated Friday, June 9, 2006, 6:21 PM)

Highway 41 has reopened after an accident just north of Highway 145 in Madera County killed two people and closed the road for most of the afternoon.

The California Highway Patrol said the multiple car crash happened around 12:30 p.m. The highway was closed shortly afterward and reopened at 5:45 p.m.

Officer Kirk Arnold said the chain-reaction crash started when a pickup truck hit a vehicle towing a horse trailer. A series of other accidents followed, including another car that was hit by a large pumping truck.

Two people in that car were killed. Names of the victims and descriptions of the vehicles were not immediately available.

4:17 p.m.: Highway 41 is closed just south of Highway 145 as the California Highway Patrol investigates a multiple car accident which killed two people around 12:30 p.m.

Officer Kirk Arnold said Highway 41 might be closed until 5 p.m. or later. Arnold said the road will reopen after the CHP, emergency medical personnel and other workers have cleared the scene of the chain-reaction accident, which started when a pickup truck hit a vehicle towing a horse trailer. A series of other accidents followed, including another car that was hit by a what officers described as a large gasoline-pumping truck. Two people in that car were killed. Names of the victims and descriptions of the vehicles were not available.

Check FresnoBee.com for updates throughout the day and read The Fresno Bee tomorrow for further details.

[Michelle]

that is all i could find about the accident....

very sad to hear that two children died.....


http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/disappointed.gif

[Nascar8Fan]

http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/cry.gif So sad. Thanks for the update Mishy.

[Dodgergirl]

Madera Co. accident kills two children
Chain reaction leaves several people injured.

By Denny Boyles / The Fresno Bee

(Updated Saturday, June 10, 2006, 5:05 AM)

Two children were killed and several people injured during a chain-reaction accident Friday afternoon on Highway 41 near the Rocky Cutout area in Madera County, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The CHP said that a truck towing a horse trailer broke down in the northbound lane at 12:31 p.m. Traffic quickly backed up in both directions as the driver and passenger of the truck tried to direct cars around the stalled vehicle.

About 12:56, a three-axle semi truck rounded a corner near the stopped traffic traveling at what California Highway Patrol officers called an unsafe speed. The semi's driver was unable to stop his vehicle before crashing into a 1997 Mazda carrying four people from Coarsegold.

That collision drove the Mazda into the back of a 2002 Chevy Astro van, which was carrying a man and three teenagers from Bakersfield. The Mazda was partly crushed by the larger truck.

Two young girls in the Mazda, a 2-year-old and a 7-year-old, both of Coarsegold, were killed. The father of one of the girls, who was sitting in the front passenger seat of the car, was taken to St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno with moderate injuries, the CHP reported.

Three teenage boys from the Astro van also were taken to St. Agnes for treatment of minor injuries.

Names of all the injured and killed parties were not available, pending notification of their families, the CHP said. All occupants of both cars were wearing seat belts, and the younger girl was in a car seat.

Three other vehicles were also involved, but no other injuries were reported.

The California Highway Patrol sent several air ambulances to the scene, which was north of Highway 145.

The crashes, and the investigation and cleanup that followed, closed Highway 41 for more than five hours. Traffic was detoured around the accident scene at several points.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

Man that was a big accident! Cos when I left for work at 1730, they were still detouring traffic down the Oneals Turnoff to 211. the Traffic was diverted all the way to 145. Usually they bring traffic back to 41 at road 208.

[Dodgergirl]

the 211/208 is where I was diverted when I went down at 12:30, guess I was lucky cause I stopped to talk to Pops & Newcomer, or I woulda been there a few minutes earlier... I had firetrucks passing me all the way down, it was awful.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

Isnt fate weird? Ive near missed a few wrecks on 41 cos I stopped for gas, or went to the bank when I didnt really want too. Sometimes, even getting pulled over for a ticket/speeding etc etc... keeps you out of that fatal wreck! I just hope my dad keeps watching over me like that for a LONG time to come.

[Dodgergirl]

So, now we wait for the names of the children... Terrible because they are children, but still praying the two year old isn't one of my babies... Does that make me a horrible person? http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/disappointed.gif

[Yosemite_Wolf]

no it doesnt... I had the same feelings on my bike ride.. we had a horrible two bike wreck... two bikes vs car... and all i could think was " i hope its not Jane, not Mike, not anyone on my team" we had four bike wrecks on that ride.. thankfully was none from my Team. No, you arent bad for thinking that.

you are human.

[medboysmom]

Don't worry Dodger, I'm sure that the families of whomever was involved in the accident have been contacted by now. It doesn't make you a horrible person to be relieved that it was not your baby in the accident. Just remember that it was someone's baby and pray for them.

[Dodgergirl]

Let me explain, I teach two year olds, I call them my babies... Because they are...

[beautiful_mess38]

When I first heard of the accident, I thought omg I wonder if thier local, I wonder if we know them. Now that thier from Coarsegold and the 7 year old may go to Rivergold it makes my heart sink.

I am so sorry for this family and I'm wondering if speeding was worth it to the truck driver. I have always said on this forum that its not worth speeding or lane passing to get ahead or get to your destination faster. Other peoples lives our at risk and because of it 2 children have been killed.

I sorry but shame on him. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/no.gif

[father guido]

I have driven that stretch of road many, many times. There were a lot of curves that you came out of blind, even at the posted speed limit. I read the CHP officers report that used the term "unsafe speed". Who here will argue that the posted limit is unsafe at any number of places between Coarsegold and the valley without traffic stopped for an accident and waiting for you as you exit one of those walled curves? I'm sorry that people lost their lives, especially children, but America has grown accustomed to always needing to find fault in everything. Sometimes the term accident is appropriate.

I do not believe there are enough details in the above posts for anybody to pass judgement on the truck driver...but that's just my opinion (and you know what they say about opinions...)

I will withhold all further comments until the details are posted.

[beautiful_mess38]

It was announced at YLCC this morning that the parents of the two children who were killed in the automobile accident live in YLP.
They have no money for funeral expenses, so a collection was taken for them.

If anyone else wants to help, please call the church office. Hours are 8:30-4:30, Monday through Friday. The phone number is: 658-7447

[Mysteefied]

My heart and prayers go out to all that were involved in this tragedy.

[father guido]

I guess I lied, but seeing as how no further details are available to me (I even checked fresno bee online) I will forgive myself for doing so.
It's funny in a sad sort of way that the driver of the truck has been accused of driving his vehicle at an unsafe speed and an unsafe manner by persons here on the forum. Has anybody that has made those accusations ever driven a semi truck? Ever seen how car drivers have no regard for the size and/or limitations of it? Ever been operating one when a van pulled out in front of them on a wet 2-lane highway in Kansas and the truck driver had 2 choices: Slam into the back of the van at near full speed OR 2) take a chance in the opposing lane and pass the van on a blind hill and hope nobody is coming up the other side? Well, I have. I chose to pass the van. Lucky for me I was able to safely pass and nobody was coming the other way; unfortunately for me there was a Kansas State Patrol car on the other side at the bottom of the hill facing me. No talking my way out of that one folks. Damn near went to jail without passing go or collecting $200.
I am not posting this to try and convince anybody that the driver of the truck was not at fault, rather, I wanted a select few to realize that there are 2 sides to every story and its best to hear them before deciding. I firmly believe that there are places on that road that a truck could be operating at the posted speed limit, its driver be fully aware of his surroundings, yet there be a horrible accident. Is this such a case? I don't know. I would love to think so, but we won't know until an investigation has taken place. Am I sorry that 2 innocent children lost their lives? Absolutely! Am I sorry that the truck driver will have to live the rest of his life with the memory of this? Absolutely! Am I sorry that the childrens parent(s) might very well wish God had taken them instead of/ at the same time as their children? Absolutely! Will any of my ranting take anybody's pain away? No, but maybe it will make a few people think the next time a tragedy occurs and they feel the need to play the judge, jury, etc. All I would expect is for people to wait until the details are known before making their minds up.
I know there are many poor drivers behind the wheels of big trucks just as I know there are many safe drivers that respect the size of a truck...thought I'd better throw that in there after I re-read it...wouldn't want anything assumed, you know.
(paraphrased) "If you want the truth in anything, first eliminate all the untruths; then all that will be left is the truth."

[Ironhorse]

You're right, semi's can't stop on a dime, or even $20. And sometimes the term "unsafe speed" will be written in to an accident report, even if the driver was doing the posted speed limit. And sometimes, a preliminary cause is given in a news release to the media, but further investigation shows a different cause. The truck's speed may have a contributing factor, not the cause.

[jan]

Originally posted by father guido:
I guess I lied, but seeing as how no further details are available to me (I even checked fresno bee online) I will forgive myself for doing so.
It's funny in a sad sort of way that the driver of the truck has been accused of driving his vehicle at an unsafe speed and an unsafe manner by persons here on the forum. Has anybody that has made those accusations ever driven a semi truck? Ever seen how car drivers have no regard for the size and/or limitations of it? Ever been operating one when a van pulled out in front of them on a wet 2-lane highway in Kansas and the truck driver had 2 choices: Slam into the back of the van at near full speed OR 2) take a chance in the opposing lane and pass the van on a blind hill and hope nobody is coming up the other side? Well, I have. I chose to pass the van. Lucky for me I was able to safely pass and nobody was coming the other way; unfortunately for me there was a Kansas State Patrol car on the other side at the bottom of the hill facing me. No talking my way out of that one folks. Damn near went to jail without passing go or collecting $200.
I am not posting this to try and convince anybody that the driver of the truck was not at fault, rather, I wanted a select few to realize that there are 2 sides to every story and its best to hear them before deciding. I firmly believe that there are places on that road that a truck could be operating at the posted speed limit, its driver be fully aware of his surroundings, yet there be a horrible accident. Is this such a case? I don't know. I would love to think so, but we won't know until an investigation has taken place. Am I sorry that 2 innocent children lost their lives? Absolutely! Am I sorry that the truck driver will have to live the rest of his life with the memory of this? Absolutely! Am I sorry that the childrens parent(s) might very well wish God had taken them instead of/ at the same time as their children? Absolutely! Will any of my ranting take anybody's pain away? No, but maybe it will make a few people think the next time a tragedy occurs and they feel the need to play the judge, jury, etc. All I would expect is for people to wait until the details are known before making their minds up.
I know there are many poor drivers behind the wheels of big trucks just as I know there are many safe drivers that respect the size of a truck...thought I'd better throw that in there after I re-read it...wouldn't want anything assumed, you know.
(paraphrased) "If you want the truth in anything, first eliminate all the untruths; then all that will be left is the truth." Very Well Put.

[Michelle]

Originally posted by Dodgergirl:
Madera Co. accident kills two children
Chain reaction leaves several people injured.

By Denny Boyles / The Fresno Bee

(Updated Saturday, June 10, 2006, 5:05 AM)

Two children were killed and several people injured during a chain-reaction accident Friday afternoon on Highway 41 near the Rocky Cutout area in Madera County, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The CHP said that a truck towing a horse trailer broke down in the northbound lane at 12:31 p.m. Traffic quickly backed up in both directions as the driver and passenger of the truck tried to direct cars around the stalled vehicle.

About 12:56, a three-axle semi truck rounded a corner near the stopped traffic traveling at what California Highway Patrol officers called an unsafe speed. The semi's driver was unable to stop his vehicle before crashing into a 1997 Mazda carrying four people from Coarsegold.

That collision drove the Mazda into the back of a 2002 Chevy Astro van, which was carrying a man and three teenagers from Bakersfield. The Mazda was partly crushed by the larger truck.

Two young girls in the Mazda, a 2-year-old and a 7-year-old, both of Coarsegold, were killed. The father of one of the girls, who was sitting in the front passenger seat of the car, was taken to St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno with moderate injuries, the CHP reported.

Three teenage boys from the Astro van also were taken to St. Agnes for treatment of minor injuries.

Names of all the injured and killed parties were not available, pending notification of their families, the CHP said. All occupants of both cars were wearing seat belts, and the younger girl was in a car seat.

Three other vehicles were also involved, but no other injuries were reported.

The California Highway Patrol sent several air ambulances to the scene, which was north of Highway 145.

The crashes, and the investigation and cleanup that followed, closed Highway 41 for more than five hours. Traffic was detoured around the accident scene at several points.

Not to start anything.. But the paper did say the truck was driving at an unsafe speed... if you read this one it says it in there....

[Michelle]

when we read what is in the paper and it says that the truck driver was driving at an unsafe speed. one person states about it you are judging them for what they have read in the paper...

come on...

it was an accident..yep they say he was driving at an usafe speed. it is sad he will live with that for the rest of his life. it was stopped traffic anyone could of done that. it could of been a car. a reg. truck.. but going around the corner and that happening i don't think anyone could of stopped in time...

all we can do is pray for the family who lost there children and not accuse people of pre judging somoene when that is what is stated in the paper...

i do have alot of respect for the trucks on the road because they have to drive those big old things.. i am sorry for the driver who hit them......
JMO

[Dodgergirl]

I was told who the girls were earlier today. Very, very sad. My heart is breaking. They were such beautiful little girls. I cannot even begin to understand how their family must be feeling. The services are at North Fresno Church on the 15th. Any contributions would be appreciated.

[beautiful_mess38]

There is a pic of the girls at the dance studio. They were very precious. It's a pic announcing where the funeral services will be held.
News I heard today. The family just moved to YLP. The 7 year old girl was not in Rivergold or Coarsegold but finishing school in Fresno. The dad is not the father but the step father of the 7 year old. He is the father of the 2 year old. The mazda was a car not a van. YLCC raised $8000. during Sunday's services. The mother works at Wal-Mart and more funds are being raised.
I also heard there is going to be a private viewing. If that is true I don't know and don't really understand because there was extensive injuries to the girls. The girls will be placed in pink caskets.
I also heard the truck was having brake problems. Don't know if that is true or not either.

[monkey]

I had also heard about the brake problems. It's all so sad.

[father guido]

This is unreal. Hearsay, innuendo and rumors... I see a lot of that here. People, I am fairly certain that the details of this tragedy are not known to anybody here on the boards, yet here we go again:

Not to start anything.. But the paper did say the truck was driving at an unsafe speed... if you read this one it says it in there....

Wow, alrighty then. It says it there in the paper so it must be true. Well what do you know! The King is alive and well. How do I know you ask? Well:

http://www.elvissightingbulletinboard.com/

Years of study and hundreds of posts make it so.

You've got to be kidding me! Then I see mention that someone heard (and someone seconded) that the brakes were problematic on the truck in question. OK, so what? What is gained by passing along that tasty little bit of information? I'll tell you what I think, I think a lot of people here are trying to find an answer to why this sort of thing happens at all. Well guess what? You won't find it in here. What you can find in here is a lot of people that would be willing to help you and console you if you would need them to. If you're reading this post right now, you are not looking at the world around you. It's outside. Don't come in here looking for the answers to lifes problems, come in here for support of the problems you are having with your life. What about if I told you I heard that the driver was experiencing difficulties with winged simians exiting his nether-regions just prior to the accident? Would that little bit of gossip (and thats all that it is until the details of the investigation are made public) help out the grieving process for the family or driver? No it wouldn't. Would it help those persons looking for why tragedies take place at all? No it wouldn't. All it would do is fuel the fire of speculation and lead to people running in here and posting every shred of rumor they happen to hear on any given day. I thought(maybe I was wrong) that the whole reason for this thread was to find out about an accident that occurred earlier in the day on 41. Well, look at what its turned in to. Here we sit labelling a truck driver inept, unsafe and the operator of an illegal vehicle. Guess what? He might be all of thoose things, then again, he might not. Nobody knows. How about we let the investigators do the job your tax dollars are spent on? I am through now...

[Dodgergirl]

An unsafe speed could be only 20 mph, under certain conditions. We'll never know what exactly happened, and although we've seen the skid marks & know the outcome, how can any of us say who exactly was at fault?
I've come around a curve at 20 and almost hit a deer, or a stalled car before... most of us have at one time or another, the lucky part for me was I had somewhere to swerve to. Where this accident happened there was no room for error.
It is a tragedy, as was the accident a year or so ago when the little girl was hit at the top of Deadwood, but can we really fault someone without knowing the circumstances? In that case, she apparently stepped right out in front of a vehicle going the speed limit. In this case, unless the driver blatantly was in the wrong, (drinking, speeding, etc.) it could have been any one of us...

[Kim]

FG, I completely understand and appreciate your point of view explaining the perspective of the truck driver. I think, however, that you're overreacting a little bit to what's going on here. Granted, other topics could lead you to believe that merely gossip and bad feelings are spread here. What I see in this case, and I think I can say it because I know some of these guys personally, is that this is just working out tragedy in our own heads. Most of the women posting either have small children or grandchildren. This may be just how they cope with the pain they imagine the parents are feeling. Mixed among the gossip is posts about raising money and sympathy for the parents of these girls. And I saw no statement whatsoever that the truck driver was driving an unsafe vehicle. The thing I thought when I saw the post about brakes not working is that this poor driver must have been so afraid when he couldn't stop. Hell, who drives and hasn't been afraid that their brakes would fail for some reason? Failed brakes in no way implies an "inept, unsafe driver", especially to those who don't drive trucks. And in answer to your question, frankly, if I was the mom of those girls and I knew that the brakes failed on the truck, and the truck driver had no control over that, it would help. My girls would be no less gone, but my anger sure would be.
I'll also add that I rear ended a pick up truck once when the 18 year old who was driving it pulled out directly in front of me, then hit his brakes, leaving me with the choice of hitting his a$$ or hitting another car head on. Fortunately for me, a CHP was behind me. I got cited for driving an unsafe speed because the basic speed law says that when the car in front of you is stopped the speed limit is zero. And that's all I got. The highway patrol, in this case, may have cited the truck driver with the least he could do. I don't remember what the legal term for tail gating then rear ending someone is, but I do remember the officer telling me that he had to cite me with something and that this would impact me the least.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

and what sucks about the tailgaiting thing is.. there are a$$holes out there that purposely pull out in front of you thus Making you talilgate.. they stop fast and voila... you hit em.
what i hate is idiots who tailgate me at 80mph.. when they know that there are 4 plus cars ahead of me. I really do feel sorry for the truckers driving up the hill.. its gotta really suck having to pull over to let ppl pass all the time.

[Michelle]

FG, I am sorry for making you mad.. I surely didn't mean to.. the paper said it was at an unsafe speed... no matter what the driver does have to live with this for the rest of his life...

driving in the mountains on the highway is a dangerous thing..

I do have alot of respect for the truck drivers... no matter if they have to go slow or whatever.. it is something i don't want or could not drive...

anyways i didn't mean to make you that mad...

lets just pray for the family who lost there babies and the truck driver who has to live with this forever....

[father guido]

Originally posted by *Michelle*:
FG, I am sorry for making you mad.. I surely didn't mean to..

I'm not mad and my point wasn't to look at things from the sole viewpoint of the truck driver, but to get people to see that non-facts have no role in this tragedy other than to take away from what the real focus should be.

Kim - If you feel I am overreacting, maybe you misunderstood my post entirely. I wasn't referring to the entire boards with the remarks I was making about gossip, etc. Just this thread. I understand talking things out when it hits a little close to home, I really do. I have kids of my own. By the way, 'failed brakes' does imply an unsafe driver and an unsafe vehicle. A driver is required by federal law to check his vehicle and equipment before driving on the road. Tell me, how many people here check their own vehicles as well as truck drivers (are supposed to) before starting out? How do you suppose you would have felt in the accident you mentioned if someone called you an unsafe driver or that your vehicle was unsafe? You did, after all, run into the back of a vehicle in front of you...

[Yosemite_Wolf]

you have a point FG.. but where were "failed brakes" in the report? he was only noted to be going at an unsafe speed.. which according to our C HP can be 35 mph!

[father guido]

Originally posted by Yosemite_Wolf:
you have a point FG.. but where were "failed brakes" in the report? he was only noted to be going at an unsafe speed.. which according to our C HP can be 35 mph!

Thanks for bolstering my argument even though you may not have meant to. What report? Has anybody here seen the report? Has anybody here been a part of the investigation? Chances are slim...

[Kim]

"Kim - If you feel I am overreacting, maybe you misunderstood my post entirely. I wasn't referring to the entire boards with the remarks I was making about gossip, etc. Just this thread. I understand talking things out when it hits a little close to home, I really do. I have kids of my own. By the way, 'failed brakes' does imply an unsafe driver and an unsafe vehicle. A driver is required by federal law to check his vehicle and equipment before driving on the road. Tell me, how many people here check their own vehicles as well as truck drivers (are supposed to) before starting out? How do you suppose you would have felt in the accident you mentioned if someone called you an unsafe driver or that your vehicle was unsafe? You did, after all, run into the back of a vehicle in front of you...[/QUOTE]

Well, I knew you weren't referring to the entire boards; that wasn't what I meant. What I was only trying to say was that I don't blame people if something goes wrong with their vehicle. I don't know enough about trucking to know exactly what the inspection process is; I do know that things can go wrong despite it, and if something did in this case, to the average non-truck driving person, that gives a lot of sympathy to the driver.
How would I feel about my accident if someone said I was unsafe? Not badly at all. That kid was the unsafe driver, and my driving made it only a rear ending instead of a T bone on my little girl's side of the car.But I don't drive professionally. How would I feel if a group of people made implications that my nursing practice was unsafe? I'd feel like sh@@. So I see your point entirely. I'm not misunderstanding you. I'm just saying that because you know how things should be, maybe you're going on the basis that we do too, and we don't. I do that at work sometimes; when something is simple to me, I can forget that it isn't to others, then I incorrectly read too much into their actions. So maybe you just read a couple in things in this that weren't there.
But at the end of the day, I'm sorry that I took away from the whole point of this. The focus really should stay on hurting families and reminders about safe driving, and wishing that this highway would get fixed.

[Michelle]

okay here is what is being reported in the paper..now it isn't the REPORT of what happen but what we as the community knows so far....

Two children killed in crash

By David Richards
(Updated Tuesday, June 13, 2006, 5:30 PM)

Two Coarsegold residents, ages 2 and 7, were killed during a seven-vehicle collision on Highway 41, roughly 15 miles north of the Fresno County line, Friday.

Authorities did not release the names of the deceased as of press time Monday.

California Highway Patrol reports indicate that traffic was stopped on Highway 41 sometime before 1 p.m. at Road 406 and Rocky Cut due to a disabled pickup truck towing a horse trailer with two horses in the northbound lane.

One of the occupants was directing traffic in an alternate fashion for both directions.

Southbound traffic was backed up one-half mile to a wide sweeping curve.

A silver 1997 Mazda was stopped at the end of the southbound traffic.

The Mazda was being driven by Coarsegold resident Amber Radke, 25. The front passenger was Charles Baker, 27, of Coarsegold, while the 2-year-old and 7-year-old, both females, were seated in the backseat.

According to reports, a three-axel Mack truck rounded the curve at an unsafe speed and was unable to stop, resulting in a collision with the Mazda that caused a chain reaction to five more vehicles.

Radke, the mother of both females who were killed, and Baker, the father of the 2-year-old, suffered moderate injuries.

Officer Terry Lewis, who was the second CHP Officer on scene, said Radke and Baker suffered at least contusions and abrasions and added that Radke was able to crawl out of the vehicle, while Baker was pinned inside.

Fire personnel aided law enforcement on scene.

Also involved in the crash was a 2002 Chevrolet Astro Van driven by Gail White, 37, of Bakersfield, who Lewis said was coming back from a Mountain Area church camp with six kids in the vehicle, including five of her own.

White and all six kids suffered either minor or major injuries.

The driver of the Mack truck, Derek Baca, 22, of Lindsay, was uninjured.

According to reports, some of those injured were taken to St. Agnes Medical Center, while others were taken to Children's Hospital.

Lewis said the investigation of the incident is ongoing and added that no citations had been given as of Monday.

"The appropriate charges will be brought once the investigation has been completed," he said. "If we decide that charges are appropriate, that's when we charge."

I just seen the flyer at the market in YLP and the girls are beautiful.. now they are angels......

please pray for all families that this has hurt....

[Michelle]

that came out of the sierra star...

[Ironhorse]

Chloe Lynn Baker, 2 and Korren Nicole Radke, 7

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

"Sisters forever in heaven and in our hearts"

Our baby girls, sisters, daughters, grandchildren and friends. Both of you will always be loved and never be forgotten. In life you were inseparable and in death you are our little angels. Dress up, dirtbikes, swimming and daddy's fishing buddies. These two girls were the light of our lives and now they will watch over us and be our little light in Heaven. We all love you, we will meet again in heaven. Survived by Charles Baker and their mother Amber Allen of Coarsegold, grandparents, Pattie and Doug Bagwell of Coarsegold and Tracy Baker of Fresno.

Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, 12- 5pm, June 14, 2006 at Smith Manor Grace Chapel, Madera, Ca.

Graveside Services will be Thursday 11am, June 15, 2006 at Clovis District Cemetery, Clovis, Ca. Immediately following beginning at 1pm, there will be a Memorial Service for both Chloe and Korren at the North Fresno Church, 5724 North Fresno Street Fresno, Ca 93710

A memorial fund will be at CitiBank for Korren, Chloe, Amber and Charles. Please contact Patty at 559-676-1501

All arrangements are under the direction of Smith Manor Grace Chapel, 801 E. Yosemite Ave. Madera, Ca. 93638 (559) 662-8825 "Creating Meaningful Funerals That Celebrate Life"

[mebesue63]

HELLO ALL...I WOULD JUST LIKE TO CLARIFY A FEW FACTS ABOUT AN ACCIDENT THAT OCCURED ON JUNE 9TH 2006, WHERE TRADGICALLY 2 CHILDREN WERE KILLED....MY SON WAS THE DRIVER OF THE 3 AXLE TRUCK..IT WAS A CEMENT BOOM TRUCK...NOT A GAS TRUCK OR ANY OTHER KIND,.,THERE WERE NO BRAKE PROBLEMS...HE HAS A G.P.A ON TRUCK HE WAS GOING BELOW SPEED LIMIT ..W/OUT ANY WARNING OF ACCIDENT ISSUE UP AHEAD...HE IS A FATHER OF A 1 AND A HALF YEAR OLD LITTLE GIRL..AND HE IS DEVASTED BY ALL THIS...AND I AGREE AND WOULD LIKE TO THANK FATHER GUIDO.....U CANT ALWAYS BELIEVE WHAT U READ, AND SHOULD TALK OR MAKE COMMENTS U KNOW NOTHING ABOUT ..THANK U FOR YOUR TIME...

[BGW]

First, let me say thank you for taking the time to register and post what you did. I know it wasn't easy...your 'all caps' posting shows your hurt and anger quite well.

A million years ago in another life, a dear friend of mine hit and killed a 96 year old man that stepped out in between two mini vans and directly into the path of his delivery van.

My friend had no way of seeing that the small and elderly man had stepped out in front of him until it was way way too late. The devastation was so great it took Bill 10 or 11 years to get behind the wheel and drive confidentially.

A gentleman my Mom dated while I was in high school drove tow truck. He was called out on an extremely foggy night (0 visibility). There was a pile up on 99. Knowing the accident was still 100 yards away...John slowed his wrecker way down and prepared for the worst. There was no way possible for him to prepare for the sickening thump thump he felt beneath his truck. A woman had been thrown clear of the accident many many yards from the actual pile-up. And, yes, he killed the woman.

With all that said, after reading your post, I had to go back and read the previous two pages. What I found was a lot of brainstorming and attempts to understand a horrific split second in time. Even the comments about possible brake problems were not negative, but then I again, I know these folks in real life; which means I understand their tones and inferences. Someone who has not met this group of people and spoken with them has no way of knowing what tone they actually have projected in the printed text.

This is my first posting in this thread, mainly because, some things tend to hurt my heart too much to write about, and, since I work, play or do business with those that have posted in this topic, I can honestly say, no one said anything negatively one way or the other. No one placed blame or pointed a finger, or passed judgment against your son.

What I found were a lot of people trying to find away to not have anyone be at fault in any way, shape, or form; even if it meant blaming the brakes.

I have another high school buddy that is in his 24th year with the CHP and he is currently working the scales in Chowchilla. Prior to that, he worked the scales in Gilroy. He and I have mutual friends that to this day that do not even realize he is employed by the CHP; all they know is that he is a vehicle inspector. It is and has been for the last 24 years been his job to double check all the triple checking your son has automatically done from the very first day he climbed behind the wheel of a big rig. I trust my friend of 28 years to have done his job, thereby causing me to know without question your son did his.

And, though most people within these forums may not have driven a cement truck, a delivery truck, an 18 wheeler, or a 24 foot moving van for that matter...not one of these people didn't feel the pain of both families.

The irony of all this is that even having lived the life I have and as closely as I have to similar incidents, I truly didn't get it until I received my last and final speeding ticket a couple of years ago. I was under the impression that as long as I was in control of my vehicle, not going out of my lane, and not weaving recklessly in and out of traffic, speeding really wasn't a factor in my driving abilities. The CHP officer made an off-hand remark about me not being able to see around corners, and the big, bright, light bulb went off in my head. I get it now, and I regret that it took me this long to fully understand.

Thank you again for setting the record straight. We all appreciate knowing the actual facts.

[Ironhorse]

Well put BGW. And Mebesue63, my thoughts are with your son. I know how hard this must be on him too. And as BGW said, not everyone has judged him to be the bad guy in this, sometimes, no matter how diligent you are, accidents happen on the road and people die. It could happen to any one of us on the roads up here, and many of us thank the Lord several times a year that it didn't happen.

[monkey]

Thank you for posting. I'm sure your son is suffering terribly and my thoughts are with him.

[jjcheyenne]

I really feel for both families. I drive by that spot 5 days a week to and from work, and every time I drive by, I say a small prayer for both families.

[Kim]

This is a great direction this topic has taken. Thank you, Mebesue, for your post, and 'Girl, as usual, awesome response. You summed everything up so nicely.

[Pop-Rocks]

I came across accident on Saturday night when I almost got to the Forks two men waved me down I was worried about stopping at first because I was by myself but then I saw soe lights that were sticking straight up. I stopped and ask them what happen and they said they crashed in the lake and ther car went completely under. I ask them if they were ok and they were. So I called 911 and told them what happen and they got a hold of a tow truck. The guys were soke in wet and said they had been there almost a hour and cars kept driving by and no one would even stop I was the first car to stop. I think I saw the same guys at the pines earlyer that evening. Good thing they were not hurt or stuck in the car they might have died by the time someone would have even stopped by. I know it is scarey to stop for strangers at night but sometimes you got to take the risk. You never know you could save someones life.

[beautiful_mess38]

good for you pops, it feels good to help out.

[Openminds]

It is a sad tragedy. Personally, this is just another incident due to our County and State agencies neglect. Hwy 41 is NOT suitable for the kind of traffic it experiences.
It supports many bedroom communities resulting in decently heavy commuter traffic. It supports a fairly moderate commercial center, (Oakhurst) and all the services it requires to sustain. It supports a Casino, a recreational lake and a National Park.
HWY 41 experiences drivers from very inexperienced and new drivers to the most experienced. Retirees and others with slower than average reflexes and responses to the Wannabe race car drivers that feel they are king of the road. Safe drivers & negligent drivers. New faster cars and old beaters that can hardly pull the hill. And of course, the soon to be added, highly debated gravel trucks.
With many working in Fresno because the mountain communities just can not support a completely independent economic system, and with companies scaling back creating employees that work harder and longer, the desire to be home and not driving slowly on the hwy is in demand.
With the cars getting sportier and the population becoming more sophisticated, the speeds become higher.
Our County Sheriff agrees the highways need to be improved to support higher speeds. A 2 lane highway, with an occasional passing lane that nobody that doesn't live here isn't going to know how to use anyways, just isn't going to cut it.
I used to go to Colorado quite a bit and there was this highway that was 2 lane and went up to some mountain communities from the Colorado Springs area. This highway was very similar to 41 except they experienced much more snow. The speed limit was 65 and very rarely an accident. I don't know why. No National Park? No Casino? Who knows, but this highway experiences traffic that results in a deadly accident just far to often.
Even if this truck had a break fault, the highway should be able to handle it, and it can't. I would be terrified to be broken down on the side of 41. I have followed a ton of drivers, both local and tourist, who can't seem to keep their cars on the road, can't go over 45 or have to slow to 35 because a car is coming at them (in the other lane), go figure.

OK, I feel better now. I just hate seeing unnecessary accidents resulting in such tragedy.

[Yosemite Joy]

I don't believe the road, and the truck driver are soley to blame, if at all.

In my (not so) humble opinion the Highway Patrol who was on site for what I understand to be quite a while, 10 minutes or more, should of put up flares, had someone (another officer, or even a layman) at the top of the hill (at least a half mile before the back up) to slow and stop traffic.

It is absolute neglect and a combination of several things (tragic coincidences perhaps) that caused this accident.

On the case of the road itself, come on. This is Madera County we are talking about. How long did it take them to upgrade the traffic lights, or heck, put in turn arrows at 49 and Sears/Vons intersection? How many people had to be injured in that intersection before the county figured out people don't know what a right of way is, and to put up the additional light? How about Spinelli and that turn in the middle of a passing lane, fast downward traffic? That has been a hazard for years, but until recently (and this is with fingers crossed) nothing was done.

[BGW]

Which reminds me....There was an accident in front of Valero on Wednesday night....Every CHP for miles was there. Several ambulances and fire trucks, tow trucks as well as the local Sheriff Deputies. I counted a minimum of 4 CHP vehicles on scene.

Can you guess who was directing traffic???

If you said anything other than a loyal Valero employee...you were wrong. Not one law enforcement agency on site even offered to take over the duties of the one person that really had no buisness being out there in the middle of highway. Nor did they offer any thanks.

I do believe this particlur Valero employee went way beyond the call of duty and the requirements of her job.

How could this 'oversight' have happened w/ so many law enforcement personel on the scene????

[BGW]

I passed an accident yesterday on my way to work. It looked like a 4-runner has run right up underneath a raised 4X4. Both vehicles were neatly within the suicide turning lane where you turn to go to Oakhurst Rocks.

The good part other than it also looked like no one was hurt was the fire engine parked with it's lights on directly behing the connected vehicles, and there were fire trucks and a sheriff vehicles parked on both sides of the highway a 100 yards or so before the the accident scene, lights flashing and firemen in the road with stop signs directing traffic!!

Now, I have to wonder again why the accident in front of the Valero wasn't handled this way as well? Or is it a case of "when an OOF member types on the boards do non-OOF members still hear it?? http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif

[Mysteefied]

I saw that accident too. they really had traffic handled well.

[Dodgergirl]

Passed a head on last night on my way home from NGI on the 426.

[John @ 3300ft.]

Originally posted by bgirlsworld:
I passed an accident yesterday on my way to work. It looked like a 4-runner has run right up underneath a raised 4X4. Both vehicles were neatly within the suicide turning lane where you turn to go to Oakhurst Rocks.

It was a Mitsubishi Montero. I think that was in the passing lane. The suicide lane is way South of there I believe.

[Patagoniamaniac]

that was tip top tree services 4x4 truck I saw it too. Someone wasnt paying attention..and must of rear ended him...thats it...I can see that happening there....

[monkey]

It seems there was an accident on 41 just past 49 going towards Deadwood. Traffic was a mess!
Anyone know anything?

[Michelle]

Hey I guess there was another accident on 41 as you come into coarsegold. My daughter was on the high school bus and told me that there was a truck upside down in the creek. anyone heard anything yet? I hope all involved are okay...
hubby took the other three to school at 7:40 this morning and there was still highway patrol there and other cars along with paramedics and such....

[Newcomer]

KK just reported she is stuck in traffic with a Major accident on 41 and the YLP turn off. 4-5 fire trucks, CHP, a few tow trucks. 2-3 vehicles possibly. So anyone expecting someone coming up from Fresno can expect a delay.

That's the news and I am outta here.

[beautiful_mess38]

Was she stuck in this mornings accident too. There was another one on hwy 41 at 4 corners going south. Back up was to the 22 mile house.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

what time was the accident? I HATE the turnoff to YLP! Can't wait til they put the light in. I can't tell ya how I sit in the left turn lane and CRINGE waiting for the road to clear.... I get visions of a car careening into mine and taking me out in a snuff!

I was coming home from Fresburg at about 4pm and no accident yet.

[Kahlua Kid]

Originally posted by beautiful_mess38:
Was she stuck in this mornings accident too. There was another one on hwy 41 at 4 corners going south. Back up was to the 22 mile house.

Yup - the back up was all the way up the hill and then some this morning... way past 22 mile house... it took forever.

I didn't see an accident though, the 4 corners 145 turnoff to Millerton light was simply blinking red... like a power outage - screwed up all the traffic for miles coming down the mountain!

[Kahlua Kid]

Originally posted by Yosemite_Wolf:
what time was the accident? I HATE the turnoff to YLP!
I was coming home from Fresburg at about 4pm and no accident yet.

It was about an hour ago I passed all the commotion and back-up went down past the Blackhawk Lodge, past the gate where they always decorate, past the new mobilehome with the new gate with no fencing... took about a 1/2 hour to get through for me... Firemen were directing traffic.

I saw a newer white Toyota Landcruiser and a little car were involved before the YLP turnoff, not at it... but couldn't see much more than that with all the firetrucks, CHPs and flashing lights!

[Yosemite_Wolf]

too many accidents! Everytime I pass one.. I give thanks to fate and the gods for keeping me out of it.. I can't tell ya how many times Ive been delayed at work.. only to drive up on the cleaning up process of an accident....... makes ya wonder, that or me ol dad is still watchin' over me.

[Newcomer]

KK Reports another multi-car accident at 41 and O'neals turn off. 7:40 Am CHP and fire on scene.

It has been a bad week.

Yesterday on the way back from Oakhurst I saw a car over the side down the ravine by the Broken Bit on 41.

[beautiful_mess38]

dang...people slow down and pay attention

[Michelle]

please take it easy on these road at this time of year... and if you have a young one driving remind them slow down... it just kills me to hear of accidents .......

[monkey]

I think people may be distracted by the upcoming holidays, yakking on their phones or just not paying attention. Then, you throw in a couple of people who have had a few too many drinks, and it's a recipe for an accident. Please be careful everyone!

[Mysteefied]

It makes me scared to go to my appts in Fresno.

[Californee Girl]

Did I hear right that the new laws regarding cell phones while driving go into effect this January?? *high five*

[Michelle]

I so hope so... People don't even know how they drive while talking.

[beautiful_mess38]

Yes I beleave you heard right. In Feb. I can upgrade my cell phone. I've already picked it out. lol It's blue tooth ready and has a speaker.

[monkey]

Originally posted by Californee Girl:
Did I hear right that the new laws regarding cell phones while driving go into effect this January?? *high five*
Nope. I was in Sierra Tel looking at a new Verizon phone and the law goes into effect Jan 2008, not 2007.

[Summer]

Nope. I was in Sierra Tel looking at a new Verizon phone and the law goes into effect Jan 2008, not 2007.
Oh boo - I was hoping it was 2007! I had a friend whose husband was killed by a driver who was speeding and driving with one hand while talking on cell phone.

[Kahlua Kid]

To see the latest accident reports, click the last page of this thread!

Today, bus and car at 41 and 415 collided...

[tocools]

Ok so what happend??

[Kahlua Kid]

Don't know - but it was a school bus.

There have been so many accidents lately, I figured open a thread about local accidents... it will help if someone is looking for info of why a loved one may not be home yet - stuck in stop-n-go trying to get by.

[Michelle]

Okay I do know that the school bus for coarsegold was broke down at the same place? so I don't know it that is what you saw but my kids were way late off the bus yesterday. they ran out of gas on the bus and had to put them on another bus.


I hope someone knows something......

[jan]

Originally posted by Kahlua Kid:
Today, bus and car at 41 and 415 collided... Dont know where you heard that but all it was, the bus broke down & they had to transfer the kids to another bus, my grandson was on it & I called the school.
So, no other vehicle was involved.
Thanks

[monkey]

The news scroll said there was a fatal accident near Oakhurst early this morning. Does anyone know anything about it?

[Newcomer]

Originally posted by monkey:
The news scroll said there was a fatal accident near Oakhurst early this morning. Does anyone know anything about it?

I have dispached my traffic helicopter to the area. Reports to follow http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif

[Michelle]

I don't know if this is the same accident but this is what i found....

Crash kills Oakhurst man
The Fresno Bee
12/26/06 09:02:15

www.fresnobee.com (http://www.fresnobee.com)

One person was killed Monday night in an accident on Highway 41 north of Oakhurst.

California Highway Patrol officers said the crash was reported at 9:50 p.m. just south of River Falls Road. A 2002 Corvette driven by John Borba, 51, of Oakhurst, was northbound on Highway 41 at a high rate of speed, officers said, when it was approached by a southbound 2004 Suzuki driven by G.M. Murray, 64, of Oakhurst.

Officers said Borba's car crossed into the southbound lane as it left a gradual curve, swerved to the right and then the left, and skidded out of control, leaving the pavement and sliding up an embankment. The car went airborne and struck the top of a guardrail and the pavement when it came down, then rolled onto its roof in the southbound lane, where its left side struck the front of Murray's car.

A 58-year-old male Oakhurst resident who was a passenger in Borba's car died at the scene; his name was not immediately made available. Borba, who suffered major injuries, was arrested at the scene for suspicion of driving under the influence and was taken to University Medical Center in Fresno by ground ambulance and helicopter, officers reported. The other driver was uninjured.

Check FresnoBee.com throughout the day for updates and The Fresno Bee tomorrow for the complete story.

[mermomma]

My boyfriend was one of the first on the scene there, he had to literally pull the door off the corvette that was smashed. I am pretty sure there was at least one fatality. He came home with blood on his shoes and was very traumatized by what he had seen. He was on his way home from work at Tenaya, and the corvette has traveled up on the opposite side hill and flipped onto another car (another Tenaya employee) coming down the hill.

[Michelle]

yeah they said the passanger was the one who died......in the vet....

bless your boyfriend for helping.....

[Patagoniamaniac]

whoa I know John...I was on the volunteer fire dept with him..Wonder who the passenger was?...did it happen past sky ranch? I know he lived in cedar valley..bummer!..

[Dodgergirl]

This one is real close to me. So, before it starts, I'm gonna request no speculation even starts.
Thanks

[Michelle]

you got it Dodge...my prayer to the families...

if you know anything could you update us ..let us know what happen.....

thanks

hugs

[cruisin]

This was on the Channel 30 website:

12/26/06 - A Madera County man was killed in a crash on Christmas night and alcohol may be to blame.
The accident closed part of Highway 41 just north of Oakhurst for a few hours. The highway patrol says just before 10 p.m. 51-year-old John Borba rolled his corvette near River Falls Road.
His passenger, 58-year-old James Isaacs, was killed. Borba was arrested for drunk driving and then taken to the hospital with major injuries.

The driver of a second car involved in the crash was not hurt.

[monkey]

Does anyone know if John's wife is named Gia? My prayers go out to those touched by this tragedy.

[Patagoniamaniac]

I hope John's ok.. any word? ..My prayes are with him and the family that lost a loved one...many of us have been there...we drive under the influence and think it can't happen to us..it does..... a hard lesson to be learned..sad...

[Dodgergirl]

Originally posted by monkey:
Does anyone know if John's wife is named Gia? My prayers go out to those touched by this tragedy.

Gia is the Mom of his daughter.

[citizen]

While I agree that people need to pay more attention while driving, I do not like this law.

What other laws are they going to pass? I know a few people that got in accidents while changing CD's. What if they pass a law saying that you can't listen to music while driving? I bet a lot of people get in accidents while listening to music. Does this make it the CD's fault? Why not put the blame on the person instead of finding something else to blame? Or how about a law that prevents girls from putting on makeup in the car? I bet that causes more accidents than cell phones. Or eating while driving? How about driving while tired? That is worse than driving drunk sometimes!

Back off Government and let me decide whats best for me. Thank you very much.

[citizen]

Originally posted by Summer:
Oh boo - I was hoping it was 2007! I had a friend whose husband was killed by a driver who was speeding and driving with one hand while talking on cell phone.

I would blame speeding before the cell phone. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/idea3.gif

[Newcomer]

Originally posted by citizen:
While I agree that people need to pay more attention while driving, I do not like this law.

What other laws are they going to pass? I know a few people that got in accidents while changing CD's. What if they pass a law saying that you can't listen to music while driving?


I beleive that changing a music CD in a car should be illeagle or listening to music can cause a car accident especiall if it's a Clay Akin CD. and Perry Como can put you to sleep behind the wheel http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif

[Michelle]

Originally posted by Newcomer:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by citizen:
While I agree that people need to pay more attention while driving, I do not like this law.

What other laws are they going to pass? I know a few people that got in accidents while changing CD's. What if they pass a law saying that you can't listen to music while driving?


I beleive that changing a music CD in a car should be illeagle or listening to music can cause a car accident especiall if it's a Clay Akin CD. and Perry Como can put you to sleep behind the wheel http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE> http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/applause.gif http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/applause.gif http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/applause.gif

[Patagoniamaniac]

I got so angry at me husband the other day he was talking on the phone holding a coffee cup and trying to take down a number all at once..figure that one out..http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/angry.gif

[Kim]

Originally posted by citizen:
While I agree that people need to pay more attention while driving, I do not like this law.

What other laws are they going to pass? I know a few people that got in accidents while changing CD's. What if they pass a law saying that you can't listen to music while driving? I bet a lot of people get in accidents while listening to music. Does this make it the CD's fault? Why not put the blame on the person instead of finding something else to blame? Or how about a law that prevents girls from putting on makeup in the car? I bet that causes more accidents than cell phones. Or eating while driving? How about driving while tired? That is