Driver in October 13 two fatality crash on Coast Highway had a blood alcohol level four times over the legal limit, authorities confirmed
By Andrea Papagianis
A driver suspected of making an illegal passing move minutes before he and a passenger were killed in a four-car crash on Coast Highway October 13 had a blood alcohol level more than four times the legal limit, authorities said.
John Knowles Jr., 43, was driving a white Volkswagen Jetta, with passenger Kerensa Donselman, 32, when the crash occurred between Beach Road and Camino Capistrano.
Both Donselman and Knowles were killed. Knowles had a blood alcohol content of 0.35 at the time of the accident, Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Jeff Hallock confirmed.
Officials have not released details of how the accident occurred. At the time of the crash, officials indicated Knowles was traveling northbound and attempted a “passing movement,” putting him and his passenger in the path of two vehicles. This stretch of road is a no passing zone.
Four others were injured in the accident, including a 15-year-old student driver, who Knowles is believed to have passed. The driving student was treated at the scene and release to his parents. Both the driver and passenger of a van, a 50-year-old woman and 49-year-old man, were hospitalized. Also, a 53-year-old woman was treated for non-life threatening injuries.
No charges will be sought since the DUI suspect is deceased, Hallock said.
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