Woman Killed in Crash with Forklift is Identified
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (May 6, 2024) — Tiffany Ann Peterson, 39, of Orcutt, died Thursday in a crash involving a heavy-duty forklift at Skyway Drive near the Santa Maria Public Airport.
The deadly, two-vehicle crash occurred in the 3000 block of Skyway Drive on May 2nd, according to the a report by the Santa Maria Police Department Traffic Bureau and Noozhawk.
Tiffany Ann Peterson was a passenger in a small blue Dodge pickup truck driven by her father Charles Peterson. The Orcutt woman died at the crash scene, however, her father survived with moderate injuries and was taken to a hospital.
The circumstances leading to the forklift and pickup truck accident are under investigation.
The 81-year-old man driving the rented forklift, identified as David Baskett, said he was returning the vehicle to a local business at the time of the crash. The forklift driver is also an elected official on the Santa Maria Public Airport District and Santa Maria Joint Union High School District boards, according to a report in Noozhawk. However, the airport and school boards both confirmed that he was not working in any capacity for them at the time of the collision.
Investigators believe the Caterpillar telehandler, or telescoping forklift, was near the stop sign at the intersection and its prongs were lifted high in the air.
The damage to the blue pickup truck was mostly on the cab and windshield.
Investigators are working on the case to determine fault for the fatal collision.
Finally, there is a GoFundMe page raising money to help the victim’s family with funeral costs.
Johnson Attorneys Group does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Furthermore, Johnson Attorneys Group hopes this news information is timely and helpful. Additionally, if you would like to contribute any information, add a GoFundMe page or have legal questions, please call 1-(855) 703-4186 as soon as possible. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
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