A Clearlake man averted fate once but not twice on Friday, Aug. 11. After suffering losses in a residential fire, a 75-year-old man, whose name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin was struck and killed by vehicle on Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake.
Just a mere two hours and ten minutes following the break out of a fire in his single wide mobile home, the victim was fatally injured when a vehicle driven by a 46-year-old Clearlake woman struck him as he attempted to cross the street.
Nearing dusk, at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Friday, police and emergency rescue personnel were dispatched to a location near El Grande Inn for a vehicle versus pedestrian collision. Upon arrival, the victim was located on the north side of Lakeshore Drive. The preliminary investigation by the Clearlake Police Department (CPD) indicates that the victim had been crossing the street on foot near the northern portion of the road when he was struck by the vehicle, which had been traveling westbound on Lakeshore Drive.
Despite rescue efforts of Lake County Fire Protection District (LCFPD), the severity of the victim”s injuries resulted in his death a short time later. Firefighters and other emergency response personnel had come in contact with the victim just hours before the fatal collision.
At approximately 5:20 p.m. LCFPD had responded to a structure fire on Snook Avenue in Clearlake involving the same victim. Fire personnel had the fire contained to just the kitchen and extinguished the blaze after 20 minutes on scene. According to a report by LCFPD Chief Jim McMurray, the victim had been medically cleared and had suffered no smoke inhalation or injury as a result of the fire. He had attempted to enter the single wide mobile home on several occasion while firefighters performed their duties. However, personnel prevented him from reentering the structure.
Following the fire, utilities were disconnected to the mobile due to damage of the structure. According to McMurray, Red Cross assistance had been requested and response was reportedly pending.
Investigation of the traffic collision continues by the CPD. According to CPD Captain Ron Larsen the preliminary investigation, including eye witness statements, does not indicate that speed, drugs and/or alcohol were factors contributing to the incident on the part of the driver.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
