Santa Barbara County, CA (December 24, 2024) – On the morning of Christmas Eve, 19-year-old Asher Linden Tenud, originally from Portland, Oregon, and recently residing in Santa Maria, lost his life in a head-on collision on Highway 1 near Vandenberg Village and Lompoc.
Accident Details: Around 10 a.m., Tenud’s green Jaguar XJR lost control on a right-hand curve, crossed the median, and collided head-on with a northbound Honda Odyssey. The impact overturned the Jaguar and pushed both vehicles to the right shoulder. Tenud was pronounced dead at the scene by a CHP officer who arrived shortly after the crash. The Honda’s driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to Lompoc Valley Medical Center. Highway 1 was temporarily closed for investigation, and authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact the Buellton Area CHP office.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that a key aspect of the investigation will be determining why Tenud lost control of his vehicle. Authorities will examine potential factors such as:
- Driver Behavior: Did speeding, distraction, or impairment play a role?
- Road Conditions: Did hazards like insufficient signage, poor maintenance, or slippery surfaces contribute to the accident?
- Mechanical Failure: Did a defect or malfunction in Tenud’s vehicle cause or exacerbate the loss of control?
If poor road design, maintenance, or other municipal shortcomings are found to have contributed, Tenud’s family could pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible governmental entity. If mechanical failure is identified as a cause, the vehicle manufacturer or service provider could face such a claim. The driver of the Honda Odyssey may file a personal injury claim against any party found negligent, including Tenud’s estate, if he is deemed responsible.
Even if Tenud’s actions are determined to be a contributing factor, his family may still recover damages if another party is also found at fault. Under California’s comparative negligence laws, recoverable compensation would be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to Tenud.
I extend my condolences to Asher Tenud’s family and friends as they navigate this unimaginable loss. I wish the injured driver a speedy recovery during this difficult time.
Update January 4, 2025: The injured individual has been identified as Krissy Partlow. She has suffered a traumatic brain injury and severe facial and skull fractures. Her family has established a GoFundMe account to help with medical costs. Please contribute if you can.