Merced County Woman Identified In Fatal Palo Alto Crash

PALO ALTO, CA — The woman who died as a result of a head-on collision on Oregon Expressway in Palo Alto on Thursday morning has been identified as a 65-year-old Merced County resident, according to the Santa Clara County medical examiner's office. Leslie Loeser of Livingston was the passenger in a silver 2018 Kia
Optima driven by her husband, according to Palo Alto police.

Loeser's vehicle was exiting southbound U.S. Highway 101 to Oregon Expressway when it crossed over the median at 4:42 a.m. and struck a food delivery van, according to police.

The van was in the farthest left-hand lane of eastbound Oregon Expressway. Investigators said that the driver of the van is a man in his 30s.

The impact caused both vehicles to spin out and each one sustained significant damage, according to police.

Loeser was found in critical condition at the scene and was transported along with her husband and the other driver to Stanford Medical Center, police said. It was there that she succumbed to her injuries.

• Woman Dies In Head-On Palo Alto Collision With Delivery Van: PD

Loeser's husband, a Livingston man in his 60s, as well as the truck driver remain in the Stanford hospital. They are both expected to survive, according to officers.

A Palo Alto police sergeant originally said that Loeser was driving the Kia, but the traffic investigations team revealed that she was the passenger.

Police do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors in the collision. Both drivers spoke to investigators at the hospital.

Loeser's husband was not cited or arrested, police said.

Anyone with information on the case should call the 24-hour dispatch center at 650-329-2413. Those who wish to remain anonymous can email paloalto@tipnow.org or text or call 650-383-8984.

The Palo Alto Police Department also has a free smartphone app where tips can be submitted anonymously available for both iPhones and Androids.

By Bay City News Service

Image via Shutterstock