[KHTS] – Commander Mike Parker of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced the results of the investigation for the crash that killed actor Paul Walker and driver Roger Rodas in November.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s traffic collision experts have determined the vehicle was traveling 80 mph to 93 mph at the time it struck a power pole and several trees.
Paul Walker – Roger Rodas
Sheriff’s Department officials released their official crash report, as well as the CHP’s MAIT supplemental report.
The traffic collision happened at about 3:26 p.m. Nov. 30, at Hercules Street, near Kelly Johnson Parkway, which is very near the business park at the 28300 block of Rye Canyon Loop, Valencia, in the city of Santa Clarita, according to the Nixle release. The posted speed limit in the area of the collision is 45 mph.
“Investigators determined the cause of the fatal solo-vehicle collision was unsafe speed for the roadway conditions,” Parker said in a Nixle report. “Toxicology tests on both men revealed that neither had used any alcohol or drugs.”
There is evidence that seatbelts were worn by both Rodas and Walker and the airbags deployed for both the driver and passenger, officials said. The mechanical examination revealed no pre-existing conditions that would have caused this collision.
Tens of thousands flooded to the scene of the crash in the weeks following the deaths.
An in-depth examination was conducted with the assistance of expert investigators from the California Highway Patrol’s Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team, according to the report.
The 2005 Porsche Porsche Carrera GT prior to the crash. Photos posted by Always Evolving.
MAIT investigators conducted a mechanical inspection of the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT’s powertrain and exhaust, throttle and fuel system, electrical system, steering and suspension, brake system, tires and wheels and airbag control modules. The inspection also focused on the Porsche’s history, safety recalls and repair records.
“During the examination, it was determined that an aftermarket exhaust system had been installed, which would have increased the engine’s horsepower,” Parker said. The tires on the car were more than nine years old.
Related article: Paul Walker Santa Clarita Memorial Car Meet Draws Thousands
No eyewitness contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to say there was a second vehicle and there is no evidence to indicate there was a second car involved in the collision.
Investigators sought out eyewitnesses to what happened just prior to the collision, as well as to the collision itself. Security videos and photos from local businesses along with other evidence helped skilled investigators to determine the cause of the collision and that no speed contest was taking place.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s traffic investigators documented the scene extensively after the collision.
The included writing a traffic report, photographing the scene, determining the collision’s area of impact and point of rest, measuring skid marks and location of debris, gathering physical evidence such as debris and the on-board car computer data, and examining the car itself to look for such evidence such as paint transfer to help determine whether or not it had impacted other objects or cars.
Sheriff’s investigators also consulted with experts from the Porsche and Michelin Corporations as part of the investigation.
The opinion of the Los Angeles County Coroner – Medical Examiner is Rodas “died of multiple traumatic injuries. The manner of death is accident.” For Walker, the cause of death is listed as “combined effects of traumatic and thermal injuries. The manner of death is accident.”
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28 Comments
Big surprise.
I figured that when I saw pictures of the crash that day.
I figured that when I saw pictures of the crash that day.
I would have never guessed.
I would have never guessed.
Duh
Duh
Phew. Glad that got cleared up.
Phew. Glad that got cleared up.
Wow Really!!!
Wow Really!!!
Shocking. Was there a multi-million dollar government study to determine this?
Shocking. Was there a multi-million dollar government study to determine this?
Tires were more than nine years old..? It’s a 2005. That would make the car 8 years old… It was obviously an accident from speeding but the tire age makes no sense.
Tires were more than nine years old..? It’s a 2005. That would make the car 8 years old… It was obviously an accident from speeding but the tire age makes no sense.
Tires were more than nine years old..? It’s a 2005. That would make the car 8 years old… It was obviously an accident from speeding but the tire age makes no sense.
An old adage comes to mind…”Speed kills.” A hard lesson learned by two guys…One who was just along for the ride, the other who killed him and himself because his ego was writing checks, his driving ability couldn’t cash.
❤️
I’m not surprised. Not one bit. Just looking at the curve, the skids, and the crash itself could have told you that.
The tires do make me wonder, though. If they really were 9 years old, was the car simply not used often or was the tread completely gone from those tires? Over 9 years is too long to wait to change tires.
Just let them rest in peace
Tax dollars at work. Great work captain obvious.
I drive way faster than 80. 80 isn’t thatttt fast
The tires are not manufactured at the same time as the car. And even if the tires are only 8 years old, they would have some rot and not retain the grip they once had. So saying the tires have nothing to do with it would be lame. It might not be the only reason, but I don’t think the story is putting all the blame on the tires. Just the comments from people are. Lol
Breaking news a multi decade investigation proves JFK died from a gunshot wound. Sometimes an investigation is not needed. Use taxpayers money to investigate real mysteries.
To Brittany: 80 IS fast, especially in a 25 mph zone. Wake up, people! Driving is not a right; it’s a privilege . Don’t take other peoples lives in your hands if you choose to drive recklessly . May these men rest in peace . Pray for the family and friends left behind.
I know this sounds kind of crazy, But I’m glad it was just them who died that day. Imagine if people were walking? Yes people don’t be stupid to think 80 is not too fast and that is normal. I agreed with you Nina Garwood people needs to stop thinking driving is a RIGHT. This makes me so upset because they both left kids behind. People are still coming to see the site. Really. I’m sure if a Soldier who fought for our Country and died there, People would mot come and visit. Ok that’s another subject.
I know this sounds kind of crazy, But I’m glad it was just them who died that day. Imagine if people were walking? Yes people don’t be stupid to think 80 is not too fast and that is normal. I agreed with you Nina Garwood people needs to stop thinking driving is a RIGHT. This makes me so upset because they both left kids behind. People are still coming to see the site. Really. I’m sure if a Soldier who fought for our Country and died there, People would mot come and visit. Ok that’s another subject.
Barb Cusack Tenenika