An 86-year-old Apple Valley woman was killed Friday night after she was struck by two vehicles while trying to reach her dog, who had already been fatally hit in the roadway. The coroner identified her as Mary L. Wear, also known to loved ones as Mary Lu “Meeka” Wear.
The fatal crash was reported just before 8 p.m. on October 9 on Waalew Road near Corwin Road, according to VVNG. Witness information provided to the outlet indicates Wear’s dog, Benji, had already been fatally struck and was lying in the road when she went to his side.
A witness told the outlet that the first vehicle struck Wear in the eastbound lane. That vehicle, according to the same witness account, was driven by an older woman who had children in the car and who was described as distraught over what had happened. A second vehicle, described as a truck traveling in the westbound lane, also struck Wear; its driver stopped at the scene and provided a statement to police.
Darkness Along Waalew Road
The witness described the roadway as completely dark and dangerous at the time of the crash, the report notes. Firefighters responded to the scene and pronounced Wear deceased in the roadway.
Waalew Road near Corwin has seen tragedy before — in January, a 27-year-old Apple Valley man, Keith Morris, was killed in a two-vehicle collision at the same intersection.
Remembering a Family Matriarch
A GoFundMe organized by Carole Campbell has been launched to help Wear’s family with unexpected funeral and memorial expenses, titled “Honoring the Life of Mary Lu ‘Meeka’ Wear.” The fundraiser describes her as a mother of seven children, grandmother of four, and great-grandmother of nine.
“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the tragic passing of Mary Lu Wear, lovingly known as ‘Meeka,’ who lost her life at the age of 86 on the evening of October 9, 2026,” the fundraiser states. It adds that she built friendships and connections across Apple Valley, Big Bear, and Fawnskin, and that she helped her daughter and granddaughter bring a family dream to life through the opening of Buc N Doe restaurant in Fawnskin.
“She was part of the heart and soul of this family endeavor, and her presence, encouragement, and love will forever be woven into its story,” the GoFundMe says. Another passage reads, “Meeka spent 86 years creating a legacy of love, family, and friendship.” The fundraiser asks the community for donations toward funeral and memorial costs, or simply to share her story, offer a prayer, or send a message of love and encouragement.
