2nd man dies from injuries suffered in deer-caused collision near Santa Ynez
A second man has died of injuries suffered last week in a multi-vehicle accident near Santa Ynez that authorities have blamed on a deer running across the roadway.
Family members told Noozhawk.com that John Stashenko IV, 33, of Philo, California, died Thursday — the same day that Santa Barbara chiropractor Jorgen W. Stufkosky, 39, died.
The accident occurred about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday on Highway 154 near the Santa Ynez River bridge east of Highway 246.
Martha Aguayo, 69, of Oxnard was headed west on Highway 154 in a 2010 Buick LaCrosse when a deer ran into her path, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Rick Larson. The left front of the Buick struck the deer, propelling it into the air and into the opposing lane of traffic, where it struck the windshield of an eastbound 2012 Ford Escape driven by Stashenko.
Stashenko then lost control of his vehicle, which traveled into the westbound lane of traffic and slammed head-on into a 2010 Toyota Prius driven by Stufkosky.
Both Stashenko and Stufkosky suffered major injuries in the crash and were airlifted to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Both men died two days later at Cottage Hospital.
Stashenko leaves behind his wife, Bobbi, and two sons, Johnny, 3, and Mika, 1.
A YouCaring page was set up by family members to help with funeral and other expenses. Click here to make an online donation.
Stufkosky is survived by his wife, Heather, and two children, Kiera and Merek.
Friends have established a GoFundMe page to assist his family. Click here to make an online donation.
Aguayo and her passenger, Jose L. Aguayo, 67, of Oxnard, were not hurt, Larson said.
The deer reportedly was killed in the crash.
Noozhawk executive editor Tom Bolton can be reached at tbolton@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
This story was originally published November 19, 2017 at 11:09 AM with the headline "2nd man dies from injuries suffered in deer-caused collision near Santa Ynez."