About
California Highway Patrol officer who became nationally known after a fatal crash that killed him and three members of his family in August 2009. The incident drew intense public attention because the vehicle was reported to have accelerated uncontrollably, and the case became a major flashpoint in the broader national controversy over "sudden unintended acceleration" and Toyota and Lexus safety recalls.
Before Fame
He served in the U.S. Air Force before entering law enforcement. He joined the California Highway Patrol and built a career spanning nearly two decades. He was stationed in San Diego County and lived with his family in the Chula Vista area. He and several family members were driving a loaner Lexus ES 350, provided by a dealership on August 28th, 2009, when they were involved in a fatal car accident. The incident led to federal investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and contributed to massive Toyota recalls in the following years.
Trivia
A 911 call from inside the vehicle reporting that the accelerator was stuck became one of the most widely reported aspects of his case.
Family Life
He was married to Cleofe Saylor, and they had one daughter named Mahala Saylor. His brother-in-law Christopher Lastrella was also in the vehicle at the time of the crash. All four family members died in the accident on August 28th, 2009.
Associated With
Arnold Schwarzenegger addressed vehicle safety issues during the Toyota investigation after the accident.
