Carlie Rose Obituary, Death: – A Beaumont family is experiencing profound devastation and anger following the release on bail of the DUI driver responsible for the death of their loved one, who will now spend the holiday season outside of incarceration, mere weeks after their lives were irrevocably altered.
Adam Witlatch, who recently wed his 23-year-old middle school sweetheart, Carlie Rose, is enduring immense sorrow. “I envisioned growing old with her,” he expressed, mourning the loss of his wife. The couple had just returned from their honeymoon when the tragedy occurred.
On October 4, deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department observed a driver traveling the wrong way, later identified as 48-year-old Jason McQueary, speeding along Seminole Drive near the outlets and casino in Cabazon. When deputies attempted to intervene, McQueary fled, resulting in a high-speed pursuit. The chase ended in tragedy when McQueary collided with Carlie Rose’s vehicle as she was stopped at a stop sign, resulting in her immediate death.
Witlatch is filled with heartbreak and anger, asserting, “He may not have meant to kill my wife, but in my view, if you choose to flee after causing someone’s death, it is intentional.”
Carlie’s family is grappling with the profound loss. Her mother, Buenita Shoemaker, articulated the significant void left by Carlie’s departure. “She had a laugh that could light up a room, and the thought of never hearing that laugh, seeing her smile, gazing into her beautiful blue eyes, hearing her voice, or embracing her again — it feels utterly unjust,” she lamented.
McQueary was arrested and charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. However, to the family’s dismay, he was released on bail the following day, raising serious concerns about their safety and the risk of McQueary repeating his actions. “Not only does he get to return home to celebrate with his family during the holidays, while my wife lies in a grave, but he also poses a threat to others,” Witlatch stated. “I cannot accept that.”
McQueary is scheduled to appear in court in January, but for Carlie’s grieving family, the impending legal proceedings offer little solace in light of their profound loss. The family is left to mourn.
