San Jose, CA—A tragic collision on Monday evening resulted in the deaths of two individuals on Highway 85 near the Highway 87 interchange in San Jose. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m., involved a head-on collision between a Toyota pickup truck and a Tesla, leaving both occupants of the Tesla dead at the scene.
The driver of the Toyota, identified as 39-year-old Duncan McQuarrie from Orlando, Florida, was traveling in the wrong direction when his vehicle collided head-on with the Tesla. The impact of the crash was devastating, resulting in the immediate death of the Tesla’s occupants, a 47-year-old woman and her 14-year-old son, both residents of San Jose. Authorities have withheld their names pending notification of next of kin.
McQuarrie sustained major injuries in the crash and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The extent of his injuries has not been disclosed, but he remains under medical care as of the latest reports.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is leading the investigation into the incident. While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, CHP officers are exploring the possibility that McQuarrie was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision. Preliminary reports indicate that McQuarrie has a significant criminal history, raising concerns about his fitness to be on the road.
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According to a report from NBC, McQuarrie has an extensive arrest record, which includes multiple legal infractions over the past decade. Earlier this year, he was cited for driving without a license, and in 2021, he was charged with possession of cocaine. Additionally, McQuarrie was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in 2013. The possibility that alcohol or drugs may have played a role in Monday’s tragic incident is a key focus of the ongoing investigation.
In the aftermath of the crash, the CHP has urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with pertinent details are encouraged to contact the CHP’s San Jose office at (408) 961-0900. The authorities are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have seen the Toyota pickup truck before the collision or observed McQuarrie’s behavior in the hours leading up to the crash.
The deadly crash has reignited concerns about road safety and the effectiveness of measures to prevent impaired driving. In California, DUI-related accidents have been a persistent issue, despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb such incidents through checkpoints, public awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement of DUI laws.
As the investigation continues, the community of San Jose mourns the loss of two of its residents. The tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by impaired or reckless driving. Local authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
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This incident is likely to prompt further discussions about the adequacy of current traffic safety measures and the need for more robust interventions to keep dangerous drivers off the road. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious driving behavior to authorities, as timely intervention can save lives.
The outcome of the investigation, particularly whether DUI charges will be filed against McQuarrie, will be closely watched by both the victims’ families and the broader community. The case underscores the devastating consequences that can result from a single moment of recklessness on the road.