An almost untenable accident occurred in Riverside only two days prior to Father’s Day. A car accident claimed the life of a former associate of high rank with the defense department of Laos who assisted American forces during the Vietnam War.
The worst part of the tragedy is that the 69-year-old man died at the hands of his 37-year-old daughter, who had been drinking and arguing with her family members at their home on Bush Avenue in the 14000 block.
At approximately 6:20 p.m., the woman tried to leave her parents’ home in her car, a blue convertible. Her father, recognizing that she was upset and allegedly drunk, tried to dissuade her from getting behind the wheel. However, she ignored his pleas, ran to the garage and started to back out. In a final, desperate attempt to keep his daughter from driving after drinking, her father stood behind her car to block her egress. His daughter backed right over him, killing him.
Realizing what she had done, the woman stopped. But the damage was already done; her father was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.
Reports from neighbors indicate that after the horrific accident occurred, she collapsed in a lawn chair, sobbing hysterically. They noted the irony of the tragedy occurring so near to Father’s Day, and stated that they were a nice family with no apparent signs of disharmony in their home.
Police handcuffed her and took her to jail on charges that include felony gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing great bodily harm. Her bond is $75,000.
In addition to the criminal penalties the woman is facing, she will have to live out her life with the knowledge that her irresponsible choice took her father’s life. She may also be subject to civil liability in his death, should her brother, sister or mother decide to pursue a claim against her.
Source: Guardian Liberty Voice, “California Woman Kills Own Father in Drunken Driving Accident After He Begs Her Not to Drive,” June 15, 2014.