James Austin Obituary, Death – James Austin, a 61-year-old resident of Woodbridge, has been identified as the victim in a fatal collision that occurred north of Lockeford earlier this week. The San Joaquin County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his identity on Wednesday.
The accident took place on Monday evening on Peltier Road, east of Pearl Road, involving Austin’s 2022 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a 2007 Toyota Camry. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the Toyota, driven by a 40-year-old man, was heading west on Peltier Road around 7:40 p.m. when it began to slow down to make a left turn into a private driveway located on the south side of the road.
Austin, also traveling west, was approaching the Toyota at a high speed. Witnesses reported that the motorcycle was moving at over 100 mph. As the Toyota made its left turn, Austin attempted to pass by crossing the broken yellow lines into the eastbound lane. The front of his motorcycle collided with the rear of the Toyota, causing the car to spin and come to a stop in a driveway on the south shoulder of Peltier Road.
The collision sent Austin and his motorcycle off the road. The motorcycle spun and overturned, ejecting Austin. He struck a nearby tree, and the bike ended up on its left side and caught fire. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, who performed lifesaving procedures, Austin was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Toyota reported experiencing some pain but did not sustain any serious injuries, according to CHP officials. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, as authorities work to determine all contributing factors and circumstances surrounding the tragic event.