News & Columns > G.T. Houts > DUI Cited by CHP As Cause of Fatal Crash

DUI Cited by CHP As Cause of Fatal Crash

By G.T. Houts
Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Running Springs, CA – The California Highway Patrol has completed its investigation into the July accident on Highway 18 at Red Rock Wall, the accident that claimed the life of Molly Kate Lamers-Wolfgang, 34. That official report lists the cause as a combination of intoxication and excessive speed.

A spokesperson for the CHP's Running Springs office explained the release of the final report was delayed due to the fact investigators had to thoroughly examine the crash site where the victim's 2008 Volvo crashed through the guardrail, review the San Bernardino County Coroner's report, and conduct extensive interviews with family and friends.

CHP officer Gary Fernandez explains that an investigation of the fatal accident at Red Rock Wall on July 28 has determined the cause was 34-year-old Molly Kate Lamers-Wolfgang was allegedly intoxicated and speeding. (Photo by G. T. Houts.)

Public Affairs Officer Gary Fernandez told RIMOFTHEWORLD.net that Lamers-Wolfgang's death was instantaneous due to multiple traumatic injuries sustained when her vehicle plunged 1,100-feet off Highway 18.

"Basically," Fernandez continued, "she was unable to safely negotiate the left curve due to her state of intoxication and excessive speed."

The CHP declined to disclose Lamers-Wolfgang's blood-alcohol content at the time of her death, but Fernandez did confirm it exceeded the 0.08 percent considered by law enforcement authorities as legally intoxicated.

CHP officers determined, through interviews with family and friends, that the woman's last contact with a friend was about 7:30 p.m. July 28. She reportedly left her Manhattan Beach home that evening and failed to reach the family's vacation home in Lake Arrowhead.

At the time of the accident, Sgt. Steve Tobias of the Manhattan Beach Police Department told RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, the original missing person report was taken about 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 29. However, it still remains unclear the exact time of the actual accident.

See Red Rock Wall for original story.