The driver killed after crashing into equipment that fell onto Highway 41 outside Morro Bay Tuesday morning has been identified as Gemma Salting, 58, of Atascadero.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a 2024 Dodge Ram 3500 was heading northbound on the highway, north of Torro Creek Road, when a large piece of equipment came loose from the trailer, landing in the southbound lane of the highway.
Salting hit the equipment, causing her 2021 Ford Ranger to lose control and go down an embankment where it crashed into a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers say the driver of the Dodge turned around and returned to the scene.
“Our condolences go out to those directly involved. This an unfortunate reminder to properly secure your loads, slow down and always have a high visual horizon, for what is or could occur in front of you,” San Luis Obispo CHP Commander Captain Mike Brown said in a press release.
Officers say the crash, which closed the highway for a few hours and caused a major backup in the area, remains under investigation, adding that drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factors in the collision.
CHP is asking anyone who witnessed this incident or has information related to the investigation to contact Officer J. Meza at 805-594-8700.
