San Jose, CA – A second person has died following a fiery head-on crash that occurred last week in a San Jose neighborhood, and investigators now believe alcohol may have played a role in the tragic collision, according to local authorities.
Second Death Confirmed in Deadly San Jose Crash
The San Jose Police Department (SJPD) confirmed on Saturday that the second driver involved, 81-year-old Christian Herbert Hygelund of Los Gatos, died from his injuries on Wednesday. Hygelund had been hospitalized in critical condition since the crash.
The initial accident, which occurred on October 25 around 2:35 p.m., had already claimed the life of 74-year-old Ellen Orcut, a beloved community member who lived nearby and worked for a nonprofit organization.
Authorities say DUI is now suspected as a factor in the collision, as per KTVU.
High-Speed Collision Turned Deadly
According to San Jose police, Hygelund was driving a white 2018 GMC Denali eastbound on Foxworthy Avenue near Jarvis Avenue when he attempted to pass a 2018 Subaru Forester in front of him.
During the maneuver, the GMC Denali sideswiped the Subaru and crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with a blue Honda CRV. The violent impact caused both vehicles to burst into flames moments later.
Witnesses told investigators that the GMC appeared to be traveling at least 70 mph in a 35 mph zone, far exceeding the posted speed limit.
Scene of Chaos and Fire
Video footage from nearby homes captured the horrifying sequence. The white GMC can be seen pushing the blue Honda down the street before its front hood ignited in flames. The Honda CRV flipped over and came to rest upside down on a front lawn, leaving behind a trail of smoke and debris.
Neighbors rushed out to help but were unable to reach the vehicles due to the intensity of the flames.
Victims Identified
The woman driving the blue Honda CRV was pronounced dead at the scene. Family members identified her as Ellen Orcut, 74, describing her as a kind-hearted woman who was still working for a non-profit organization and dedicated much of her time to community service.
“She was full of life and still helping others,” a relative said. “It’s devastating to lose her in such a senseless accident.”
The driver of the Subaru Forester was not injured in the crash.
Police Suspect DUI
Following the accident, Christian Hygelund was taken to a hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries nearly a week later. The Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office confirmed his identity and notified next of kin.
The SJPD Traffic Investigations Unit stated that preliminary evidence suggests Hygelund may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. Investigators are awaiting toxicology reports to confirm whether intoxication was a contributing factor.
If confirmed, the case will add to a growing list of DUI-related fatalities in San Jose this year.
Community Reaction
Residents of the Foxworthy Avenue neighborhood expressed frustration and fear over reckless driving in their area. Many said the stretch of road has become increasingly dangerous due to speeding and impaired drivers.
“We’ve been asking for more patrols and speed bumps for years,” one neighbor said. “Maybe this tragedy will finally push the city to act.”
Ongoing Investigation
The SJPD continues to investigate the crash, reviewing surveillance videos, witness statements, and crash data. Officials have not yet confirmed whether additional charges could have been filed had Hygelund survived.
The fiery wreck marks San Jose’s 48th fatal traffic collision of the year, part of a concerning rise in deadly crashes linked to speeding and impaired driving.
Police are urging drivers to slow down and never drive under the influence, emphasizing that even a moment of recklessness can destroy lives.
Do you think penalties for DUI-related crashes should be stricter to prevent tragedies like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
