San Jose, California (October 25, 2025) — One driver was killed and another critically injured following a two-vehicle collision in San Jose on Saturday afternoon, according to local police.
Incident Details: The fatal crash occurred around 2:35 p.m. in the area of Foxworthy and Jarvis avenues. San Jose police reported that each vehicle was occupied by a solo driver. Ellen Orcut was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. Officials closed Foxworthy Avenue from Meridian Avenue to Jarvis Avenue for several hours as investigators documented the scene and cleared debris. Authorities have not released the names of the drivers or the types of vehicles involved.
Investigation: San Jose police said the cause of the collision remains under investigation. At this stage, it is not yet known whether drugs, alcohol, or excessive speed played a role. Investigators will review vehicle positions, road conditions, and potential mechanical issues to determine what led to the crash. Witness statements and nearby surveillance footage may also help clarify whether one driver failed to yield or made an unsafe maneuver.
Police confirmed that both drivers were traveling in the residential area when the impact occurred. Collisions in such areas often involve reduced reaction times due to shorter sightlines and nearby intersections. The San Jose Police Department’s Traffic Investigations Unit will conduct a full reconstruction to determine fault and assess whether criminal charges are warranted.
Legal Considerations: When a driver is killed in a collision and another sustains critical injuries, multiple layers of civil liability may arise depending on the investigative findings. If one driver is determined to have been negligent, for example, through speeding, distraction, or impairment, the family of Ellen Orcut may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. Such claims can provide compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.
Meanwhile, the surviving injured driver may pursue a car accident claim to recover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and damages for pain and suffering. In some cases, fault may be shared between both drivers, which could affect how compensation is apportioned. Accident reconstruction findings and insurance policy limits will be central to determining the available remedies for both families involved.
This tragedy serves as a reminder of how quickly ordinary commutes can turn fatal on city streets. Even at moderate speeds, the force of impact in a two-vehicle crash can cause catastrophic or life-ending injuries, underscoring the importance of attentiveness and safe driving in residential corridors.
My thoughts are with Ellen Orcut, the other driver, and their families as they cope with the aftermath of this collision.
Source: KRON4