Santa Cruz, CA (July 3, 2024) – Authorities have identified Cody Stark-McCollum, a 22-year-old pedestrian killed in a DUI crash on Mission Street last week.
Accident Details: McCollum, a Santa Cruz resident, was reportedly in the street around 3:30 a.m. near Laurel Street when he was struck by a car driven by 61-year-old Arthur Tessaro, also of Santa Cruz. Tessaro was allegedly driving southbound on Mission Street at the time of the crash. Stark-McCollum was rushed to a trauma center, but despite life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigation: Following the incident, Tessaro was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. Although a criminal pre-filing is listed against him in Santa Cruz County Superior Court records, formal charges were not yet listed as of Wednesday. Tessaro is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment on his bond on July 17.
Legal Considerations: As a personal injury attorney, I find that several aspects of this case warrant further examination. Given that Tessaro was arrested on suspicion of DUI, this raises immediate concerns about his impairment at the time of the crash. DUI is a serious offense and can significantly impact the determination of fault. Knowing Tessaro’s blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the crash is crucial for both criminal proceedings and potential civil claims. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Stark-McCollum’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
My sincerest thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Cody Stark-McCollum during this tragic and difficult time.
Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel