Skateboarder Plows Into 83-Year-Old Woman, Killing Her

By Dennis Romero Thu., Jul. 7 2011 at 7:00 AM

Naoki Tomeno

A teen skateboarder who allegedly raced through a California stop sign broadsided an old lady in a crosswalk, leading to her death, authorities say.

The 17-year-old from nearby Santa Cruz, who was not ID'd, wasn't arrested. The 83-year-old pedestrian, identified as Maryann Slettehaugh, was helicoptered to a hospital, where she died late Tuesday.

It all happened ...

... Tuesday afternoon at Cliff Drive and Wharf Road in Capitola, California, according to the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Michael Patrick

Cliff Drive and Wharf Road in Capitola.

The teen was said to be rolling at 15 to 20 miles per hour when he cruised past a box truck stopped at the intersection, ostensibly to let the old lady stroll by in the crosswalk, when he struck her.

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According to the Sentinel, the skater actually tried to stop and jumped off his board last-minute only to broadside the woman, knocking her unconscious. He tried to help, but it was too late.

Cops say it's illegal to skate in that part of Capitola -- the "Village" -- "for this exact reason" -- in the words of Sgt. Andrew Dally.

[@dennisjromero/djromero@laweekly.com]

Tags:

accident, Capitola, Santa Cruz, skateboarder, skateboarding, skater

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matt gordon

One has to wonder if it is prudent to prosecute someone for what seems to sincerely be a tragic accident. To the teen's credit, he tried to render aid immediately. Perhaps he was skateboarding in violation of the local rules, but let's not go overboard and make it seem as if he was a speeding motorist acting with reckless disregard for the safety of others.

FZR

i dont see it any differently then a speeding motorist. Asshole, selfish skateboarders have been skating the streets like theyre above the law. Kicking there boards into cars and people ,{documented} weather on purpose or not. skateboarders should be? are required to honor moving vehicle codes, as are bicyclists. They should be kept in skateparks. Surfer magazine described skateboarding as a "punk" sport. Theyre right, Its for losers.

Chippawa2004

and bikes should be kept on bike paths and out of the road! I see bicyclist disregarding traffic law constantly. also you faggots on bikes should need a license plate on your bike if we need one for cars... and lol at you quoting surfer magazine. loser.

Nexus

and the reason this little idiot wasn't arrested?? Please??

Rude.

Christopher

"(bleeping) ridiculous?" A one in a million chance? Perhaps you should discuss your idea with her widow, a husband of more than five decades, for a second opinion on what's "ridiculous." You know, were she hit by a motor vehicle, car, truck, motorcycle, even a bicycle, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Remember, the skateboard operator killed her as she innocently and legally navigated the crosswalk. As for Pat's comments, yes, he will be prosecuted and, yes, there will be a wrongful-death civil suit. Perhaps Sunny Julia Sanchez will picket the trial, carrying a signing saying, "Skateboarding is not a crime!" Yes, but manslaughter is.

Johnny

1. This article has false facts. 2. Do you know either family?3. Are you just saying he will be prosecuted because you feel like it? There are other articles about this story, and one of them states that he may do community service, but they are not sure yet. 4. Have you ever had an accident of any kind?

Christopher

Johnny;

I appreciate your reply, so let's continue the narrative, please:

1. What ARE the false facts, please?

2. No, I don't know either family, but that's not an issue; rather, it's a distraction on your part.

3. "Are you just saying he will be prosecuted because you feel like it?" No, we're discuss personal/legal responsibility and the law. Community service? OK, that could be part of a verdict and a subsequent sentence; otherwise, it's attractive speculation, especially if you have something to lose, like time-and-money i.e. a financial judgement and jail time.

4. Again, Johnny, a unrelated distraction. Please, tell me what you believe is important by saying, "Have you ever had an accident of any kind?" Colorful talk by a prosecuting attorney asking a question informed by research, but little else.

5. The real issue is: where do you stand on this, Johnny? With Sunny Julia Sanchez? Are you a skateboarder? What's your back-story here? Have you ever had an accident of any kind and, if so, what's your take on the event? Stuff happens or you (bleeped) up?