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Santa Maria Police Department
Friday August 2nd, 2024 :: 01:15 p.m. PDT

Community

Update to the August 1st, 2024, two-vehicle traffic collision at Stowell Rd. and Bradley Rd. which resulted in 2 fatalities.

Update: Driver 1- is identified as Edith Gomez Camarillo.  She received minor injuries in the collision and was treated at Marian Medical Center.

The two decedents are identified as Randall and Marichu Kern.



On Thursday, August 1st, 2024, at approximately 9:15 A.M., Santa Maria Police & Fire Departments responded to a 2-vehicle crash at Stowell and Bradley Rd.  A caller on scene told dispatch that one of the female occupants had no pulse.
 
Driver 1, a female 20-year-old Santa Maria resident was driving eastbound on Stowell Rd. She was the only occupant in vehicle 1.   Driver 2, a male 68-year-old Santa Maria resident was driving southbound on Bradley Rd.  His female wife, 55-year-old Santa Maria resident was seated in the passenger seat. 
 
Based on witness statements and evidence from the scene, it appears Driver 1 was eastbound on Stowell road when she ran the red light. Vehicle 2 was southbound on Bradley Road with a green light when vehicle 1 struck the passenger side of vehicle 2, causing the collision. 
 
AMR and Fire personnel provided medical aid to the driver and passenger of vehicle 2 and they were transported to Marian Medical Center but they both succumbed to their injuries due to the collision.  They were later identified as Mr. and Mrs. Kern.
 
Driver 1 was cooperative, remained on scene and provided officers with a statement.  At this time, it is unknown whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision.  This incident is still under investigation.  Anyone with information on the collision is encouraged to call Officer D. Rhoads at 805-928-3781 x 1355.

Prepared by:  SMPD Traffic Sergeant Michael McGehee

Address/Location
Santa Maria Police Department
1111 W Betteravia Rd
Santa Maria, CA 93455

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-928-3781

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