Driver in Fatal Mulholland Accident Still in Hospital

October 29, 2009—Douglas Roberts, the driver in last month’s accident which killed his 14-year-old daughter, Jessica Roberts, remains in Intensive Care at UCLA Medical Center, in an induced coma.

According to Sheriff’s Department Traffic Detective Richard Curry, the hospital may soon move Roberts to a rehabilitation center and transition him off life support systems.

The cause of the accident has not yet been officially declared and a report is expected soon.

Jessica Roberts died on Mulholland Drive, near the Viewpoint School in Calabasas when the car driven by her father slammed into a Toyota SUV.

A Lost Hills Sheriff’s spokesperson said that Douglas Roberts, 47, was driving a new Dodge Viper that he had just picked up “that day.” While the investigation is continuing, authorities said it appears as though Roberts was driving at a high rate of speed and lost control of the vehicle when it crossed into the oncoming lane.

The sports car hit a Toyota SUV driven by Blake Wheeler, 53, of Calabasas.

Jessica was killed instantly. Wheeler was hospitalized and later released, with less serious injuries.

Jessica was a freshman at Chaminade Prep School in West Hills and have created a Facebook page, We Love You Jessica Roberts with photos and memories.

One friend wrote, “I remember everyday at softball she was always there and always helped me when i needed someone. She was always the one who helped out with all the girls and gave us all hope in desperate times. She was always so confident and I think everyone benefited from her being on our team.”