CHP identifies man killed in crash on Highway 101 in SLO County
The California Highway Patrol identified the man killed in a vehicle crash late Tuesday night on Highway 101 near Pismo Beach.
Santa Maria resident Gary Noe Arias, a 27-year-old esthetician, died of his injuries on the scene of the crash, the CHP said.
His loved ones started a GoFundMe to support his family as they arrange the funeral and memorial service.
“Gary was truly full of life, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends and all those fortunate enough to have known him,” the GoFund description said. “While we mourn this devastating loss, we also celebrate the incredible person he was and the countless lives he touched.”
On Tuesday night, Arias traveled at an unknown speed on southbound Highway 101 just south of San Luis Bay Drive in a 2020 Toyota Tacoma, the CHP said.
For an unknown reason, the truck turned right, left the road and overturned.
At the same time, a 1991 BMW 535i with a solo male occupant was traveling southbound on the highway at 65 mph and did not see the disabled overturned truck directly ahead of him, the CHP said.
The front of the BMW struck the Toyota Tacoma and both came to rest blocking the No. 1 lane and center divider.
The 73-year-old driver of the BMW sustained minor to moderate injuries.
Arias sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene, the release said.
According to the release, the BMW driver “showed no signs of impairment.”
“It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash of the deceased party,” the release said.
The crash was still under investigation as of Monday.
“At night, drivers need to look far ahead and expect the unexpected,” CHP officer Mike Brown said in the release. “Dark objects in the roadway can be very difficult to see, so it is critical to slow down, stay focused, and drive at a speed that gives you time to react. Our goal is simple, we want everyone to get home safely.”
As of Monday at 2:50 p.m., the GoFundMe for Arias’ family had raised $26,207 of the $45,000 goal. People can donate online at bit.ly/4vGHHTc.
“Gary was a kind, ambitious, caring and energetic soul who brought light into every room he entered. He was known for his warm smile, positive spirit, and genuine compassion for others,” the GoFundMe description said. “As an esthetician, Gary was highly respected and loved by his clients and peers, earning a reputation as one of the very best in his field. His passion, dedication and ability to make people feel confident and cared for left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.”
