File photo.
PREVIOUSLY
- Pedestrian From Last Week’s Broadway Collision is ‘Brain Dead’ Says Family; Driver Pleads Not Guilty
- Eureka Pedestrian Seriously Injured As Suspected Intoxicated Driver Crashes Into Them on Broadway
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A Eureka woman accused of driving into a pedestrian while intoxicated is expected to face tweaked charges after his death on Sunday.
The driver, Raeleen Olson, was arrested last week after allegedly striking a 35-year-old man who was crossing Broadway. The man died Sunday night, a prosecutor said in court today, after being seriously injured in the crash.
Police conducted a field sobriety test and determined that Olson was under the influence (of something; it wasn’t specified), according to the Eureka Police Department. Olson was subsequently charged with a felony for driving under the influence while causing injury. She faces a sentencing enhancement for causing brain injury, plus a misdemeanor drug possession charge. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In court today, Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees said the office would file amended charges, following the death of the victim. A hearing to determine whether she could be released without bail was pushed forward due to this.
Deputy Public Defender David Celli argued that Olson has a right to have her status addressed. But Judge Heather Durand agreed with the prosecution that the hearing should be held in two days, after charging documents are amended.
Olson remains in custody on a $75,000 bail. She appeared in court today wearing the standard navy jumpsuit.
Family members of the victim, James Christopher Lee, previously announced on a GoFundMe page that he was declared brain dead. His organs are being donated, including his liver set to help two children in need, according to updates on a GoFundMe for funeral expenses.
James Christopher Lee. Photo via GoFundMe.
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