Chula Vista, CA (April 10, 2024) – A devastating collision on Interstate 5 early Wednesday morning resulted in the deaths of 67-year-old Eileen Crawford and 16-year-old Ryder Shoup, a sophomore at Mar Vista High School and a young father.
Incident Details: The collision occurred when Eileen Crawford, driving a Honda Civic, reportedly entered the southbound lanes traveling in the wrong direction. The vehicle driven by Crawford collided head-on with a car operated by Ryder Shoup, known to his friends and family as Ryder Day. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which occurred around 3 a.m. on April 10.
Community Reaction and Mourning: Ryder Shoup, remembered as a kind and talented athlete, had recently embraced fatherhood, leaving behind a four-month-old son and his girlfriend. The Mar Vista High School community, where Ryder was also involved in the football program and served as a lifeguard, mourns the loss of a promising young life described by peers as energetic and positive.
Eileen Crawford, from the accounts of neighbors, was undergoing treatment for cancer and may have experienced moments of forgetfulness. The investigation into how she came to travel in the wrong direction is ongoing, with results from a pending toxicology report expected to provide more clarity. This tragic event underscores the dangers of wrong-way driving incidents, among the most lethal collisions on highways.
Wrongful Death Claims and Legal Action: For the families of the victims, the pursuit of justice may involve wrongful death claims, particularly if further investigation reveals negligence or other actionable factors. These claims could help address the immense financial and emotional burdens faced by the families, covering expenses such as medical bills, funeral costs, and the profound loss of companionship. Because California is a comparative negligence state, both families might look to file wrongful death claims against the other estate.
Community Support and Remembrance: In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support Ryder Shoup’s family during this challenging time, reflecting the community’s outpouring of grief and solidarity.
As investigations continue, the Chula Vista community and the families affected by this terrible incident are left seeking answers and ways to prevent future tragedies. Our thoughts are with both victims’ families and friends during this understandably difficult time.
News Sources: People and ABC 10 News San Diego