San Jose, California – Authorities have identified one of the two victims who tragically lost their lives in a wrong-way accident in San Jose earlier this week. The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner confirmed that the 47-year-old woman killed in the crash was Rebecca Joanne Olsen, a resident of San Jose. The second victim, a 14-year-old boy, has yet to be publicly named.
The accident occurred when a Toyota Tacoma, driven by a 39-year-old man from Florida, was caught on video traveling in the wrong direction on Highway 85 for several minutes before colliding with the Tesla carrying Olsen and the teenage boy. The young victim was a 9th-grade student at a local school, where an email sent to families described him as a happy young man, well-liked by his peers, despite his short time at the school.
The driver of the Tacoma, who sustained severe injuries and is currently hospitalized, is under investigation. Witnesses, including Normi Juarez, who captured footage of the truck speeding in the wrong direction, described the terrifying moments leading up to the crash. Juarez, driving in the express lane at the time, noted that the truck appeared to be traveling at an alarming speed, estimated to be over 90 miles per hour.
Authorities have not yet determined the exact speed of the truck, but video evidence clearly shows the vehicle barreling past other cars before the fatal impact. Preliminary records indicate that the driver has a prior DUI conviction in Florida.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about whether law enforcement could have intervened more quickly, given that the truck reportedly drove in the wrong direction for over 10 minutes before the crash.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is continuing its investigation into this wrong-way accident in San Jose’s circumstances and is asking for witnesses to come forward to help with the case.
As the community mourns the loss of two lives, our thoughts are with the families affected by this tragedy. It is a stark reminder of how quickly lives can change, and we encourage everyone to stay vigilant on the roads.
