Following a fatal crash in San Mateo County on June 21, a makeshift memorial has emerged at the scene, near a tree that became the tragic epicenter of the incident, an emotional reminder of the lives lost, as reported by the PA Daily Post. James Morton Worthington, 51, has been charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter and DUI in connection with the fiery accident that claimed the lives of his two friends, Henry Keating and Josh McGuigan. The crash occurred on Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) near Woodside after the three friends enjoyed dinner and drinks at a local restaurant.
As noted by CBS News San Francisco, Worthington and his friends visited Alice’s Restaurant on Highway 35, where they indulged in food and alcoholic beverages. After their meal, the three friends embarked on a journey in Worthington’s sedan, allegedly traveling at speeds of around 90 mph on the winding Skyline Boulevard. Various reports suggest that Worthington then lost control of the vehicle, ultimately crashing head-on into a tree and causing the car to explode into a ferocious ball of fire.
Twelve days after the accident, wreckage from the ill-fated vehicle remains scattered around the area, including a blackened patch on the pavement and the car's muffler thrown across the road. Amid the remnants of the fiery collision, friends of the victims have assembled a makeshift memorial to honor their lost companions.
Passersby managed to pull an unconscious Worthington from the burning vehicle, while his two passengers, Keating and McGuigan, were pronounced dead at the scene. Worthington was taken to Stanford Hospital, suffering from broken ribs and other injuries. At the hospital, officers reported smelling alcohol on Worthington, who had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .10% three and a half hours after the crash, as stated by the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office.
Worthington pleaded innocent at his initial court appearance on July 3, facing charges of vehicular manslaughter and DUI, according to multiple sources. His bail was set at $1 million and he remains in jail awaiting a preliminary hearing on August 4.
