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A Stockton school teacher died in a solo-vehicle rollover crash along North Livermore Avenue outside the Livermore city limits on Tuesday evening.
The Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau identified the victim as 52-year-old Julie Ownbey, who died at the scene of the violent crash. Her LinkedIn profile confirmed Ownbey worked as a fourth-grade teacher in the Manteca Unified School District.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our beloved teachers from August Knodt Elementary School,” Manteca Superintendent Clark Burke said in a statement on Wednesday morning.
“The elementary school staff, students and entire school community are deeply saddened by this news. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the family during this difficult time,” August Knodt principal Jillian Friend added.
The MUSD statement did not identify Ownbey by name for privacy reasons. But Ownbey had been listed as a teacher at August Knodt Jr. School, a K-8 campus in the Weston Ranch area of Stockton, served by Manteca Unified.
“We encourage families to be especially sensitive and prepared to offer support to their children during this time. District Health Services staff and Valley Community Counseling are available to offer support for students and staff,” MUSD officials said.
Excessive speed and the lack of a seatbelt were key factors in the fatal crash on Tuesday evening, according to Officer Tyler Hahn of the California Highway Patrol’s Dublin office.
The situation unfolded at approximately 5:25 p.m. after the driver of a 2006 Lexus ES 330 — later identified as Ownbey — traveling at a high rate of speed southbound on North Livermore Avenue, south of Hartman Road, failed to negotiate a right-hand curve in the road, according to Hahn.
Out of control, the Lexus went across the northbound lanes, off the roadway and into a barbed-wire fence. “After colliding with the fence, the vehicle began to overturn and cartwheeled into the field to the east of the roadway,” eventually coming to rest on its roof about 50 feet away from the road, according to Hahn.
Ownbey, who was unrestrained in the sedan, was ejected and landed in the field as the vehicle flipped over and over. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Hahn.
CHP officials identified the driver as from Stockton, but the coroner’s bureau said Ownbey’s residence was listed in Antioch.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has other relevant details can contact CHP-Dublin at 925-828-0466 and ask for Officer Hahn.
“This is a sad reminder that excessive speed combined with not wearing your seatbelt can be deadly,” the officer said. “It is also a reason why we, as law enforcement, are out enforcing traffic violations that cause deadly collisions. As we enter the holiday season, please, as always, don’t drink and drive, slow down and wear your seatbelt.”
To Julie’s family and friends, I am so very sorry for your loss. I met Julie once just last month and she was very encouraging and positive regarding my son. She was so loved by so many friends and family, my heart breaks at this tragic news. She and her family and friends are in my prayers….