SAN JOSE, Calif. — A quiet residential neighborhood in San Jose has been left heartbroken after a devastating head-on collision claimed the life of 74-year-old Ellen Orcutt and left another man critically injured on Saturday afternoon. The crash occurred around 2:35 p.m. in the area of Foxworthy and Jarvis avenues, according to the San Jose Police Department.
Investigators said the crash began when a GMC Yukon traveling east on Foxworthy Avenue attempted to pass a Subaru Forester on the right side. The Yukon struck the Subaru, then veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a Honda CRV driven by Orcutt. The impact caused both vehicles to suffer catastrophic damage. Orcutt was pronounced dead at the scene, while the Yukon’s driver was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The Subaru’s driver was not hurt.
Authorities and witnesses reported that the collision sparked a large fire moments after impact. Nearby residents rushed out to help, while others called 911 as flames engulfed the overturned vehicles. “I walked out and saw the car completely on fire,” said local resident Israel Lomeli. “I was panicking, telling the officers to please hurry because there were people hurt, and the cars were upside down.”
Orcutt’s family said she lived nearby and had been running a quick errand when the tragedy occurred. Her brother, Marc Boyd, shared that she was on her way to withdraw money for her grandchildren. “She was just a wonderful person,” he said. “Very giving, kind, and generous — always putting others before herself.” Orcutt dedicated more than 30 years of her life to nonprofit work, helping families, the homeless, and domestic abuse survivors.
Neighbors say speeding has been a persistent problem along Foxworthy Avenue. Witnesses estimated the Yukon was traveling far faster than the posted 30 mph limit before losing control. In the wake of the crash, residents have launched a petition calling for new safety measures, such as additional stop signs or speed bumps, to prevent future tragedies. “People drive too fast down this street,” one resident said. “It was only a matter of time before something terrible happened.”
The San Jose Police Department continues to investigate, reviewing security footage and witness statements to determine whether charges will be filed. Saturday’s crash adds to the city’s rising number of traffic fatalities this year, prompting renewed calls for drivers to slow down and stay alert, especially in neighborhoods where families live and play. Friends and family remember Orcutt as a compassionate woman whose legacy of kindness will not be forgotten.