Tyler Nielson and Justin Gardner Killed, Dawson Fay and Sabrina Distura Injured in DUI Car Accident
MERCED COUNTY, CA (March 26, 2018) – Two teenage boys were killed on Sunday morning, in a head-on DUI collision on Highway 165 near the 5 Freeway.
Nevada Union High School students, 17-year-old Tyler Nielson and 16-year-old Justin Gardner, were traveling in a Nissan on a road trip to Pismo Beach for spring break.
According to reports, 21-year-old Sabrina Distura of San Jose, crossed over the center median on the 5 Freeway near Highway 165 and struck the Nissan.
Distura was driving a 2015 Honda, northbound on Interstate 5 at about 11:50 AM, when it crashed into the Nissan. She was transported to a local hospital in CHP custody after complaining leg and lower back pain. She was then arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter.
Nielson was pronounced dead at the scene, while Gardner suffered major head injuries was transported by air ambulance to the Doctors Hospital in Modesto, where he was later pronounced dead. A third 16-year-old Nevada Union student, junior Dawson Fay, was in the same car and suffered a broken hip and other major injuries. He is expected to recover.
Fay’s mother and older brother were caravanning down to Pismo Beach with the car that was hit. It was also found that everyone involved was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
A GoFundMe page was set up to help both Nielson’s Gardner’s families with funeral expenses. Click on the link to donate to their families in this difficult time.
Sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Tyler Nielson and Justin Gardner. Both young, vibrant, and athletic teenagers with a bright future ahead of them. May they rest in peace.
If you have lost a loved one in a suspected DUI car collision, reach out to the experienced wrongful death lawyers of Sweet Law Group. With over 40 years of experience in the legal field, we know what you are going through, and are here to help. Call us at (800) 203-3061 fo arrange your free consultation with an experienced legal professional in your area. You can also reach us 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week through email, text message, and online chat.
