David Baskett sentenced to one year of probation after plea agreement in fatal forklift collision

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – David Ernest Baskett, an 83-year-old involved in a fatal forklift crash in May of 2024, was sentenced to one year of probation as part of a plea agreement.

As part of the plea agreement, Baskett pled guilty to one misdemeanor count of vehicular manslaughter stated a press release Tuesday from the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office.

On May 2, 2024, Baskett moved a large forklift onto Skyway Drive with its eight-foot-long forks reaching into lanes of traffic and raised about four feet off of the roadway detailed the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office.

Baskett then left the forklift in the position with no indication to motorists noted the prosecutor's office.

Tiffany Ann Peterson was in the passenger seat of her father's small pickup while they drove on Skyway Drive in the lane partially obstructed by the forklift when the forks hit the truck explained the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office.

According to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office, Peterson was killed instantly by the collision and her father sustained moderate injuries at the scene.

"While no outcome can undo that harm, we are satisfied that Mr. Baskett has been held accountable for his actions," said District Attorney John Savrnoch.