Petaluma, CA (March 25, 2024) – The Sonoma County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office has identified 84-year-old Roger McMillan of Petaluma as the victim of a tragic accident that occurred on Monday night. McMillan was struck and killed while checking his mailbox on Skillman Lane near Thompson Road, approximately 1 mile west of Petaluma city limits.
Incident Details: The accident happened around 8:20 p.m. when McMillan crossed Skillman Lane on foot to check his mailbox. A westbound Land Rover collided with him, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene alongside CHP officers.
Investigation Findings: CHP Officer David deRutte stated that the preliminary investigation indicated the driver of the Land Rover was traveling within the speed limit at the time of the collision. There were no signs of impairment from the driver. The investigation into the accident is ongoing, with authorities working to understand the full circumstances leading to the tragic event. Depending on the details the investigation uncovers, McMillan’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. However, there are a lot of details missing from the crash that could help determine if negligence played a role. There is no mention of the lighting conditions at the location and, since this crash happened it night, it’s strange that there’s no information about visibility. These details would help determine what led up to the collision.
Call for Information: The CHP has requested that anyone with information regarding the crash contact the Santa Rosa CHP Office at 707-806-5600. The community’s assistance can be invaluable in piecing together the events that led to McMillan’s untimely death.
My thoughts are with McMillan’s family and friends after this tragic accident. I hope they receive the support they need and that authorities are able to figure out what caused the collision to happen in the first place.
Source: Patch