Man faces manslaughter charge after tollway crash

Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Excessive speed is suspected in the head-on collision on the 241 tollway that killed a recent retiree.
By JOHN McDONALD The Orange County Register



Nancy Donahue-Reddish

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA - A woman who retired two weeks ago was killed Tuesday when a car went out of control on the Foothill (241) Toll Road, crossed the median and crashed into her Lexus head-on.

The other driver, Javier Hernandez Nelso, 29, of Moreno Valley, suffered major injuries and was arrested on suspicion of felony manslaughter, the California Highway Patrol said.

"He was driving at such a high rate of speed that it amounted to reckless driving," CHP officer Chris Goodwin said.

The victim, Nancy Donahue-Reddish, 65, of San Clemente, was headed to Hemet to help her ailing father, said her son, Todd Donahue.

She was the former director of benefits for TriZetto Group Inc. and had "saved and saved to be retired and not be a burden on her kids," her son said.

Nelso's arrest came after investigators concluded from tire marks that his speed was excessive, Goodwin said.

"It appears he lost control when he drifted onto the right shoulder," Goodwin said. "Then he went across two (southbound) traffic lanes, each 12 feet wide, and the center divider. The center divider is dirt and weeds and it's 70 feet wide. Then he went across a traffic lane on the northbound side and hit the woman's car in the No. 2 lane. She would never have suspected a car could come that far across to hit her."

The crash occurred about 7:20 a.m. about a mile south of Antonio Parkway.

Victor Javier Lopez, 26, of Moreno Valley, a passenger in Nelso's Mercury Sable, was flown to Mission Hospital and was reported in critical condition.

Drugs and alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the crash, authorities said.

Donahue-Reddish also is survived by two daughters, two brothers and six grandchildren.

Nancy was the mother of a former coworker and friend. What John McDonald from the Orange County Register failed to include in his report was:

1. Javier Hernandez Nelso is an "Undocumented Immigrant" living in Moreno Valley, CA
2. Javier Hernandez Nelso was driving an unregistered vehicle
3. Javier Hernandez Nelso was driving without Auto Insurance
4. Javier Hernandez Nelso was driving without a Driver's Liciense

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mark and his family