Blazi killed in Stage Coach Lane crash

The 2100 block of South Stage Coach Lane was the scene of another fatal accident on Saturday, May 12, at approximately 3:45 p.m., when a 17-year-old male driver, traveling at an unknown speed, crossed over the double yellow lines in the center of the roadway and crashed his 1995 Nissan 240SX head-on into a 1998 Mazda MPV van.

Killed in the accident was 71-year-old Fallbrook resident Donna Blazi, who was northbound on Stage Coach Lane when struck by the other vehicle.

Also involved in the accident was a seven-year-old girl, a relative of the 17-year old, who was riding in the passenger seat of the Nissan. North County Fire had to use special equipment to extricate all three individuals, all of whom were wearing seat belts, from the vehicles.

“It was a very, very tough situation,” said John Buchanan, public information officer for North County Fire. “It was quite an extensive cut and rescue operation. It took at least 30 minutes to remove each person.”

All three were transported via air ambulance to regional hospitals. Seventy-one year old Blazi was taken to Palomar Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 5:23 p.m. that evening; the 17-year old driver was taken to Sharp Hospital with major injuries; and the seven year old to Children’s Hospital with major injuries, including multiple fractures to her legs.

A witness at the scene said following the accident several individuals stopped along the road to try and offer assistance before emergency workers arrived and reported that the 17-year old driver was “being belligerent and displaying poor behavior, including throwing glass.”

“It happened right in front of the tree where other people have been killed,” the witness said. “I looked up at the tree and saw the crosses [memorial markers].”

When asked if there appears to be a reason this stretch of roadway has been the scene of numerous accidents and fatalities, California Highway Patrol spokesperson Tom Kerns said, “I don’t know that certain sections of roadways necessarily lead to problems, but I know what we do have are unsafe drivers.”

“In this case, it was obvious that the 71-year-old lady didn’t have a problem maintaining her position on the roadway,” Kerns said. “She was doing the right thing - driving at the right speed.”

Blazi was a registered nurse and had resided in Fallbrook for 12 years. She was a loyal volunteer in local schools, active in senior citizen activities, a member of the Red Hat Society and TOPS, and a volunteer for the Fallbrook Arts Center. She was an exceptionally strong supporter of 4-H.

“She always came out and supported our events,” said Shannon Taylor, a former 4-H member. “She was a really nice lady. Her death made an impact on many people in 4-H; it was really sad because she was such a caring person.”

Anyone that witnessed this accident is encouraged to call the CHP at (760) 757-1675.