A tragic accident in Pasadena claimed the lives of three individuals early morning on May 11. The driver responsible for the crash, Moheb Samuel, 22, had a suspended license and was previously charged with driving under the influence. The incident occurred at approximately 2:35 a.m. when a Tesla Model 3 sedan, traveling west on Foothill Boulevard at a speed exceeding 100 mph, ran a red light on Sierra Madre Boulevard.
According to Pasadena Police Lt. Anthony Russo, the driver failed to negotiate a curve and collided with a curb on Foothill Boulevard, east of Vista Avenue. The impact caused the vehicle to go airborne, subsequently striking a street light, a power pole, a building, and another street light. Tragically, Samuel, along with Stefan Pfeiffer, 20, who was seated in the back, and a 22-year-old male passenger in the front seat, lost their lives at the scene.
Three other passengers in the rear of the vehicle sustained injuries. Among them were a 17-year-old Pasadena girl, reportedly Samuel’s sister, Bella Ramirez, 18, from Monrovia, and Emerson Newquist, 20, from Pasadena. Reports indicate that two of the injured individuals are seniors at Maranatha High School in Pasadena, while one of the deceased was a former student.
The Pasadena City Attorney’s Office had previously charged Samuel with misdemeanor DUI and misdemeanor driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent on March 21. However, Samuel failed to appear for his arraignment on March 27, resulting in a warrant being issued for his arrest. His license is currently suspended, although the exact reason and date of suspension remain undisclosed by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Although there was evidence of alcohol at the crash site, authorities have yet to determine if any occupants of the Tesla were under the influence at the time of the incident. Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
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This tragic accident in Pasadena highlights the importance of road safety and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws. It serves as a reminder for all drivers to be cautious and responsible while on the road. It also emphasizes the significance of defensive driving techniques, such as maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, obeying speed limits, and avoiding distractions like texting or talking on the phone. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to invest in better infrastructure and implement measures to prevent such accidents from happening