LAFAYETTE / Man killed in crash pileup is identified

The Contra Costa County coroner's office has identified a man killed in a chain-reaction crash outside a Lafayette high school as a 55-year-old Walnut Creek resident.

[Dave N]

This man should be hung out!
He was speeding past a high school at a time when there would be kids all over the place. He is lucky that there were not 10 kids on the corner he ended up on. Please report his name as soon as possible.

[Anna]

Why has there not been more in the local papers about this car accident? Why has the driver who caused the crash not been identified. I would like to know why was he released from the hospital without being charged.

[SAC]

BTW, you may want to reconsider your attack, just as you are an innocent bystander, he has a wife and small children who are also innocent bystanders!

[RPG]

What crime did he commit? I dont see a speed posted in any article, I dont see that he was charged. It is horrible that it happend and I feel deeply for the people involved (Everyone) but this is called an ACCIDENT not an ON PURPOSE - think back have you ever done soemthign maybe you should not have? Did it end poorly?

[doctor g]

RPG wrote:

What crime did he commit? I dont see a speed posted in any article, I dont see that he was charged. It is horrible that it happend and I feel deeply for the people involved (Everyone) but this is called an ACCIDENT not an ON PURPOSE - think back have you ever done soemthign maybe you should not have? Did it end poorly?

An accident can still be a crime. And there was obviously negligence involved (i.e. rear end at high speed). That's what negligent homicide is for.

[Bystander]

Everyone should wait and see what comes about. I understand there was a fatality and my heart goes out to that family. Hell, I know I would be furious. Something went really wrong and they haven't prosecuted this man yet because they just don't know "why" this happened. Let's wait and see before we make threats "Dave N"!! To be hung is a little harsh don't you think?

[Sharon A -sacramento]

Has anyone thought about how this man feels about what he has done and what he has to live with. Does anyone know if he had a medical condition that could have caused him to black out. This is 2007 we can not hang someone for an ACCIDENT! My heart goes out to those who were hurt and the family of the woman who died. Think about this mans family. What good would it do to know his name or where he lives. Dont judge untill you have all the facts.

[Anna]

I was attending a student function at the high school where the crash occured and and saw the site within minutes of of the crash. It was horrific. If you had seen what I saw, you would also want to know who caused this catastrophe. I do feel for his family, but he is the cause of someone else's death.

[anonymous]

when will we get all the facts? there has hardly been any coverage of this incident.

[anonymous]

i too was at the scene minutes after it happened. i was travelling down stanley for gas at the shell station. i pulled into the pumps, and just stood agape at the catostraphic view. i ended up giving a ride to one of the persons whose car was struck, and never got my gas! she was understanbly shook up! so was i, the images are still vivid of the firefighters trying to get inside the BMW, the miata was not in view from my position. i have a picture from my cameraphone, but don't know if that would be too insensitive to post or not.

[anonymous]

RPG wrote:

What crime did he commit? I dont see a speed posted in any article, I dont see that he was charged. It is horrible that it happend and I feel deeply for the people involved (Everyone) but this is called an ACCIDENT not an ON PURPOSE - think back have you ever done soemthing maybe you should not have? Did it end poorly?

you cannot compare burning my finger on the hot muffin tin to vehicular manslaughter.

[anonymous]

I think everyone should get off their moral high horse and wait until all the facts are posted. This could happen to anyone of us. My heart aches for all victims involved including the BMW driver. This is a tragic accident that could have happened to anyone.

[Anonymous]

You mean this was a tragic accident that should have been avoided!

[heart broken]

this is so heartbreaking because the families of these victims, including the driver will have this imprinted in their souls. I'm sure the driver has been punished in a way that those of us who have never been in an accident could even imagine. This will be on his heart and soul for the rest of his life. There was no alcohol or drugs involved. ACCIDENTS happen!!! Please understand that we are all human. Unfortunately a fatality occured but it could have been any of us. And like Sharon from Sac says... did he have a medical problem??? We don't know yet.. So lets find out before we accuse and threat. Thanks

[Ron Walnut Creek]

Perhaps one of the friends of the poor BMW driver could share his side of the story with us. Sure seems like alot of damage was done to the cars involved, speed must have been a factor. I would try to call my friend to get his side of the story but he is dead.

[TDN]

All those reading this whom have suffered a loss due to this tragic event; I genuinely give you my sympathy and I will continue to pray for you. I have had the unfortunate opportunity to witness more of these tragedies than I will allow myself to remember. I understand the need to identify the “bad guy” and isolate the blame. It helps us feel safer. We convince ourselves that this was the result of some drunk, or high on drugs, or maybe just ruthless monster and once he is put away, or (if Dan N has his way) hung, then we have now made the roadways safer. We feel better about getting back in our cars, or waving goodbye to the kids in the neighbor’s minivan on carpool day. The fact is, accidents happen, good people cause tragic events, and other good people die. Anger, hatred, and blame are the mental tools we use to mask our own fear. Why don’t we confront that fear, and then focus on compassion for those that this event has left needing it most. The police department is very capable of assuring that any improprieties, should they exist, are addressed and dealt with. To reiterate a comment that has already been made. The family of the BMW driver will also be unfortunate victims. My heart goes out to them as well.

[Lisa]

TDN wrote:

All those reading this whom have suffered a loss due to this tragic event; I genuinely give you my sympathy and I will continue to pray for you. I have had the unfortunate opportunity to witness more of these tragedies than I will allow myself to remember. I understand the need to identify the “bad guy” and isolate the blame. It helps us feel safer. We convince ourselves that this was the result of some drunk, or high on drugs, or maybe just ruthless monster and once he is put away, or (if Dan N has his way) hung, then we have now made the roadways safer. We feel better about getting back in our cars, or waving goodbye to the kids in the neighbor’s minivan on carpool day. The fact is, accidents happen, good people cause tragic events, and other good people die. Anger, hatred, and blame are the mental tools we use to mask our own fear. Why don’t we confront that fear, and then focus on compassion for those that this event has left needing it most. The police department is very capable of assuring that any improprieties, should they exist, are addressed and dealt with. To reiterate a comment that has already been made. The family of the BMW driver will also be unfortunate victims. My heart goes out to them as well.

Very well said. We never leave our homes knowing we will cause or be involved in an accident, that is why it is called what it is. Until we know the whole story, all judgements on the driver of the BMW should be held. We all have our moments that we drive and get to a point and don't remember the road we were on that got us there, or look down for a split second, it happens, most of us are just lucky our outcomes aren't the same (thank god). Never say never, this could happen to any and all of us. My heart breaks for all parties involved. I understand the anger, but I can also be compassionate until the whole story comes out.

[lyn]

Obviously this is a tragic situation. The thing that disturbs me the most is that the poor guy who died had no control over the situation, there was absolutely NOTHING he could have done! This could happen to any of us at any time. I'm assuming the speed limit on that road is 25, especially since it is in a school zone. I've driven on that road several times and think that it's very risky speeding on that street, once you pass the school it is residential. I just think that you have to be going recklessly fast to not be able to stop in time when there are 5 cars ahead of you stopped at a red light! I'm sure the BMW driver feels awful, and it's sad for his family, but he is clearly responsible! There is clearly a reason why laws and rules of the road were established, so why is it alright when some people get away with breaking them? And I'm sure this isn't the first time this guy has ever been reckless on the road, this is probably just the first time something has happened because of it. I think tragedies like this need to be a wake up call for everyone... I can't tell you how many times A DAY, I see people on the road not paying attention (mostly because of cell phones) and almost causing accidents, and the scariest thing is most of these people have no clue.

[TDN]

lyn wrote:

Obviously this is a tragic situation. The thing that disturbs me the most is that the poor guy who died had no control over the situation, there was absolutely NOTHING he could have done! This could happen to any of us at any time. I'm assuming the speed limit on that road is 25, especially since it is in a school zone. I've driven on that road several times and think that it's very risky speeding on that street, once you pass the school it is residential. I just think that you have to be going recklessly fast to not be able to stop in time when there are 5 cars ahead of you stopped at a red light! I'm sure the BMW driver feels awful, and it's sad for his family, but he is clearly responsible! There is clearly a reason why laws and rules of the road were established, so why is it alright when some people get away with breaking them? And I'm sure this isn't the first time this guy has ever been reckless on the road, this is probably just the first time something has happened because of it. I think tragedies like this need to be a wake up call for everyone... I can't tell you how many times A DAY, I see people on the road not paying attention (mostly because of cell phones) and almost causing accidents, and the scariest thing is most of these people have no clue.

I absolutely see your point, and believe you have just made mine. It is our individual fear that results in the conclusions that each of us are drawing. Don't let that fear make your decision and or judgements. It appears evident from the facts disclosed that the BMW was what caused the accident. The facts surrounding why, none of us our privy too. It is my understanding that neither alcohol or drugs were involved. Let us focus on what we can contribute to those that are now in need as a result of this tragedy, leave the judgement to those who are privy to the facts.

[Nope]

This was not an accident.

anonymous wrote:

I think everyone should get off their moral high horse and wait until all the facts are posted. This could happen to anyone of us. My heart aches for all victims involved including the BMW driver. This is a tragic accident that could have happened to anyone.