The County of Santa Clara Medical Examiner/Coroner has identified the 14-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in the Highway 85 crash in San Jose on Monday. The young victim has been identified as Charlie George Olsen, a resident of San Jose.
Charlie and his mother, Rebecca Olsen, a 47-year-old woman from San Jose, were inside their Tesla Model Y when a wrong-way truck driver collided with their vehicle. Cameron Olsen, the widower of Rebecca and father of Charlie, shared photos of them together.
“Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare,” Cameron expressed in an emotional email statement to KRON4, which he also shared on Reddit. He described the past week as a tumultuous journey, filled with both practical and emotional challenges. It feels as though it has been weeks since the tragedy occurred, and Cameron anticipates that the coming months will be an excruciating ordeal.”
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“I haven’t reached a point of anger like many others have in this situation, and I may never reach that point. It does feel unfair, though. I long for the return of my son in a way that is difficult to put into words.”
Charlie’s parents hail from Australia, while he himself was born in the United Kingdom. It was 12 years ago when the family relocated to San Jose, California, following Cameron’s acceptance of a position at a local tech company.
Charlie, a freshman at Summit Tahoma High School, has recently embarked on his educational journey. Notably, his father attests to Charlie’s impressive accomplishments, revealing that he has explored over 30 countries and even self-taught himself Arabic at the tender age of five.
“He was not just a friend, but my closest companion, my partner in travel, and the only person with whom I ever experienced a sense of belonging,” expressed the father with deep emotion.
Cameron expressed gratitude for the kind words received and specifically mentioned a young man from Summit Tahoma who shared heartfelt sentiments. These words held great significance for Cameron. Furthermore, Cameron acknowledged the city of San Jose, which had been their home for 12 years, and praised its incredible community.
Rebecca and Charlie, who were identified by officials on Wednesday, tragically lost their lives at the scene around 3:40 p.m. when a wrong-way truck driver collided with their Tesla Model Y.
The authorities have identified the truck driver involved in the accident as Duncan McQuarrie, a 39-year-old man from Orlando, Florida. It is currently unclear whether he will face any charges in relation to the incident. McQuarrie sustained significant injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
A dashcam video posted by a witness driving on the San Jose highway captured the truck driving in the wrong direction. It remains uncertain if drugs and/or alcohol played a role in the crash.
