Crime & Safety
Driver of SUV in Fatal Incident an MB Resident
Rachel Kekaouha, an 18-year-old Manhattan Beach resident, was the passenger in an SUV driven by an MB male the same age when the vehicle rolled over while the two were traveling on Interstate 40 on their way to Lake Havasu. Kekauoha died at the scene.
An 18-year-old male Manhattan Beach resident was driving the 2000 Nissan Pathfinder that rolled over while traveling on Interstate 40 Friday, April, 6, ejecting MB 18-year-old Rachel Kekauoha who died at the site near Ludlow, CA, according to Heath Poulsen, accident investigation review officer with the California Highway Patrol's Barstow area division.
The name of the driver has not been publicly released. He sustained "moderate injuries" and was air lifted from the scene to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, said Poulsen.
Poulsen said "all indications" lead investigators to believe alcohol and drugs were not a factor in the rollover.
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The driver could face charges for gross vehicular manslaughter without negligence, which is the standard charge in this type of case, he said. The district attorney will ultimately review the investigation report and determine what charges, if any, will be filed. Poulsen said a driver is responsible for the safety of his passengers and could face vehicular manslaughter for a passenger who did not have a seat belt on and died. Kekaouha was not wearing a seat belt, according to Poulsen.
Poulsen said that every investigation into a fatal traffic incident is different, and expected this one to be finalized in about three weeks.
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