James Austin Obituary, – A 61-year-old resident of Woodbridge, who tragically lost his life in a collision this week north of Lockeford, was identified on Wednesday by the San Joaquin County Medical Examiner’s Office. James Austin died as a result of a crash involving a 2007 Toyota Camry and his 2022 Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Peltier Road, east of Pearl Road, on Monday evening.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the Toyota was traveling west on Peltier Road around 7:40 p.m. when its 40-year-old driver slowed to execute a left turn into a private driveway located on the south side of the road. Austin, also heading west, approached the Toyota, with witnesses claiming that the motorcycle was exceeding 100 mph, as reported by the CHP.
As the driver of the Toyota initiated the left turn, Austin attempted to pass by crossing the broken yellow lines into the eastbound lane. The front of the motorcycle collided with the rear of the Toyota, resulting in the car spinning and coming to a stop in a driveway on the south shoulder of Peltier Road.
The CHP indicated that the impact caused Austin to veer northward, leading the motorcycle off the road, where it rotated and overturned. He was thrown from the bike and struck a nearby tree. The motorcycle ultimately came to rest on its left side and ignited. Despite the efforts of emergency personnel who arrived on the scene, Austin unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Toyota reported experiencing pain but sustained no serious injuries, according to CHP officials.
