Atascadero, CA (January 24, 2024) A family is mourning the loss of 32-year-old Edna Marquez, who was killed by a DUI driver in Atascadero on the night of January 21st. This devastating accident occurred on Highway 101, just south of Del Rio Road, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Marquez, a Fresno resident, was a passenger in the vehicle driven by a highly intoxicated driver. Initial reports indicated that the 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX was heading south on Highway 101 when the fatal crash took place. The California Highway Patrol stated that the driver, identified only as a 37-year-old man from Reedley, was not only driving while under the influence, but was also hitting speeds between 90 and 100 miles per hour.
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Around 10:42 p.m., the man suddenly swerved towards the center divider on Highway 101 and then jerked the steering wheel in the opposite direction in an attempt to straighten out the vehicle. He was driving at such a high speed that he over-corrected and caused the Subaru to spin. The vehicle continued to spin as it crossed both southbound lanes of the highway, authorities reported. The Subaru then went off the roadway and began to roll before coming to a stop on its left side. As the Subaru rolled, Marquez was violently thrown from the passenger seat of the vehicle.
Emergency personnel arrived at the scene and found Marquez with life-threatening injuries. Paramedics quickly began performing life-saving measures and rushed Marquez to Sierra Vista Medical Center in critical condition. Unfortunately, her injuries were too serious, even for the trained medical staff, and she was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The California Highway Patrol reported that the driver of the vehicle was taken into custody for driving under the influence. He was booked into the San Luis Obispo Jail.
Edna Marquez’s family and friends have created a GoFundMe account to help with medical costs and funeral expenses. The 32-year-old mother leaves behind a daughter and a son following this heartbreaking tragedy. Everyone at Accident News Now offers our condolences to Marquez’a family during this difficult time.