Los Osos Man Killed by Suspected DUI Driver

A deadly car crash near San Luis Obispo has claimed the life of a Los Osos man, the latest victim in a string of tragic or mysterious deaths involving Los Osos residents.

86 year old retired university professor Dr. James Snider died from injuries he suffered in a head-on crash with a suspected DUI driver on Foothill Blvd near O’Connor Way Monday afternoon.

Last week, 24 year old Sabrina Hammerlund was killed when she apparently lost control of the car she was driving on Highway One between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay.

Last month 25 year old Anna Deis was killed while riding her bike on Los Osos Valley Road and 22 month old Mason Simmonds-Gibson died in a suspected DUI crash on Highway One near Cayucos.

In September, the body of 27 year old Margay Edwards was found in the Nevada desert in what authorities are still calling a suspicious death.

18 year old Jackson Garland was killed in another head on crash involving a DUI driver on South Bay Blvd last June.

The deaths in the town of about 15,000 people have caught the attention of many, most of the victims are known one way or another in the tight-knit, seaside community.

“I think its just tragic coincidence”, says local resident Miranda Roberts, “I think some people might feel that way because quite a few of the victims have been younger people so a lot of the younger people are being affected harder by it.”

“I did know three of them recently”, Roberts says of the victims, “I think its just unfortunate accidents, unfortunately accidents happen.”

The wife and family of Dr. James Snider said he recently retired to Los Osos full-time as Professor Emeritus at Fresno State University and was a cautious and careful driver.

“I think people just drive too fast”, adds local resident Darrell Mann, “I think the speed from southern California has finally caught up with us here on the Central Coast.”

“Live life everyday and make sure to tell people that you love them”, Miranda Roberts says reflecting on the string of tragic deaths in the town, “be careful, driving, riding bikes, everything you do, its a scary world out there.”

52 year old Jane Upton of San Luis Obispo is accused of driving under the influence and crossing over the center divider causing the deadly collision on Foothill Boulevard Monday afternoon that killed Professor Snider.

Upton remains in critical condition at the hospital.