San Jose, CA – The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner has named 14-year-old Charlie George Olsen as the youth killed along with his mother, 47-year-old Rebecca Olsen, when their car was struck by a wrong-way driver on Monday afternoon, August 26, 2024, according to KRON.
The crash occurred around 3:40 PM when a truck driven by 39-year-old Duncan McQuarrie of Orlando, Florida, veered into the wrong lane on Highway 85, near the Highway 87 split. Both Charlie and his mother were pronounced dead at the scene. The circumstances surrounding why McQuarrie was driving the wrong way remain under investigation, and it is still unclear whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident.
Charlie, who had just started his freshman year at Summit Tahoma High School, was born in the United Kingdom to Australian parents. He had lived in San Jose for the past 12 years after his father took a job in the local tech industry. His father described him as a unique soul who found joy in exploration and learning.
Rebecca Olsen, identified by officials on Wednesday, had been on her way to pick up Charlie when the crash occurred. The Olsen family, originally from Australia, had made San Jose their home.
The investigation into the crash continues. At the time of reporting, McQuarrie remains hospitalized with major injuries. Whether he will face charges is still undetermined.
Wrongful Death Claims
Whether or not a collision results in criminal charges for any of those involved, families who have lost a loved one in a fatal collision may be able to file a Wrongful Death claim with the insurance provider of the at-fault driver.
The compensation provided by a Wrongful Death claim can relieve the financial burdens created by medical expenses, burial costs, and the loss of income needed to support the deceased’s dependents.
Insurance companies will work to reduce any claim they cannot deny. This is where the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney proves invaluable, negotiating on behalf of victims and their families to ensure they receive proper compensation.
