Driver killed, another arrested in suspected DUI after head-on crash near Avila Beach
A 72-year-old man from Atascadero was killed and another driver was arrested on charges of drunk driving and after a head-on collision Friday afternoon near Avila Beach.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a Ford F-250 truck crossed into another lane and struck a Mercedes van head-on in the area of San Luis Bay Drive and Apple Orchard Lane around 3 p.m. Friday.
The man driving the truck — identified by the CHP as Patrick W. McDuffee II, 31, of Nipomo — was allegedly under the influence of intoxicants at the time of the crash.
The man driving the van was pronounced dead at the scene, the CHP said.
The man has yet to be identified by name pending the notification of next of kin, according to a CHP news release.
A 65-year-old woman from Atascadero was a passenger in the van and sustained major injuries in the collision, the CHP said. She was taken to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo.
McDuffee was arrested on suspicion of murder and causing injury while driving under the influence of drugs, according to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.
He was being held Saturday in San Luis Obispo County Jail, jail records said.
This story was originally published August 6, 2021 at 4:37 PM.
