Surfer and Life Guard Killed in Single-Vehicle Car Accident in San Diego

June 30^th was a tragic day for the family and friends of surfer and lifeguard Chloe Buckley as she was killed in a single-vehicle car accident in San Diego. Buckley was heading westbound on state Route 52 in her 2002 Toyota 4Runner when she lost control of her vehicle near Convoy Street [Source: CBS 8]. Her SUV then rolled, flipped over the center divider, and landed in the eastbound lanes. It then caught fire. Sadly, Buckley died at the scene of the accident.

She left behind family, friends, and fans who adored her. She was working as a city lifeguard so that she could be connected with the water but had a passion for surfing. In 2008, she graduated from Canyon Crest High School and was a part of the surfing team. She was also on the surf team for MiraCosta College. In 2011, she ranked 76^th in the women’s qualifying series, according to the World Surf League website and she even placed 5^th in a competition in Peru that same year. Pete Buckley, Chloe’s father, said his daughter was a “globetrotting surfer” as she traveled to places like Central America and Australia.

Chloe Buckley was only 27-years-old when she died.

After the surfer’s death became widespread news, many gathered together on July 28^th to remember her for the amazing person that she was [Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune]. Those who came out wanted to remember her “by doing what she loved most. By padding out.” Lifeguards who attended covered their badges with black bands and friends and families shared photos and stories they had with Buckley. During the paddle out, “hundreds of people made a circle around a surfboard full of bouquets of flowers.” The San Diego Fire Rescue even raised a Windansea flag in her honor.

Unfortunately, single-vehicle accidents are only one of several types of auto accidents that occur on San Diego roadways. Some of the main causes of these types of accidents include:

1. Driving distracted. This might include texting or talking on a cell phone, answering emails, or browsing the web. Another form of distracted driving is when a motorist is looking around at other areas instead of keeping their eyes on the road.
2. Driving with passengers
3. Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
4. Speeding
5. Driving recklessly

In 2016, 2,063 individuals were killed in single-vehicle accidents in California alone, which was the highest number of deaths recorded in these types of accidents nationwide [Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]. CA was also the state with the second highest number of deaths in multiple-vehicle accidents in 2016 as well. These statistics, which are based on the most current data that is available, clearly indicate that single-vehicle accidents are an issue for the state.

Now, if you have been involved in a single-vehicle accident or a loved one was killed in one of these types of accidents, don’t hesitate to contact San Diego, CA car accident lawyer Jeffrey E. Estes. After being involved in such a traumatic collision, it is understandable that you have questions and concerns that are in need of being addressed. So, if you would like to schedule a consultation where we can sit down and discuss these, call Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates today at 619-233-8021.

Visit or call Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates today at:
501 West Broadway, Suite 1650
San Diego, CA 92101
619-233-8021