Man Accidentally Kills Wife in Tragic Accident

A local wife and mother was killed December 19 in a tragic accident at a Paso Robles winery.

Kenneth Carlson had gone to the winery to visit his wife Jana who worked there. As they finished their conversation in the parking lot, Carlson got in his pickup truck to leave. California Highway Patrol investigators say Jana bent down in front of the truck. Carlson didn’t see her and pulled forward, striking her. She died as a result of the accident.

Her death stunned the community. “An outpouring of love and support that has occurred in the last 18 hours is just so overwhelming and it just shows what a beacon of light she has been for our community,” said Sara Dobroth, a close friend.

Dobroth said Jana and her husband were a couple others admired. “Their sweet love that they share together in private and also just sharing their love with others it’s just impactful,” she said.

The Carlson family includes three daughters and a son. “Her four kids are all solid fabulous human beings and it’s because when she was with you she was present and just really cared,” Dobroth said.

Dobroth set up donations at her work, Paso Robles Sports Club where people have dropped off gifts. The sports club will be taking gifts, monetary donations and gift cards for the family as long as they continue to arrive.

An account has also been set up at Chase Bank on Niblick Road in Paso Robles for donations to the family.