Carly Howard dies in fatal Santa Barbara Highway 154 car crash

Carly Howard dies in fatal Santa Barbara Highway 154 car crash

Fatal Santa Barbara Highway 154 car crash death of Carly Howard – Obituary

Carly Grace Howard, a 24-year-old from Santa Ynez, has died following severe injuries sustained in a head-on collision earlier this month on Highway 154 near San Antonio Creek Road.

On the morning of May 1, Carly was en route to work when a GMC Sierra driven by Katelyn Fultz, 24, of Bakersfield, reportedly crossed into oncoming traffic and struck the Pontiac Vibe in which Carly was riding. The California Highway Patrol confirmed that the crash occurred just before 7:00 a.m., leaving three people injured, including Carly, who had to be extracted from the vehicle in critical condition.

She was transported unconscious to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery to relieve brain swelling. Despite medical efforts, her condition did not improve. Her family shared updates through a GoFundMe page, revealing that Carly had suffered irreversible brain damage and had no hope of regaining consciousness or basic bodily function.

On Wednesday around 1:00 a.m., her family announced that Carly had passed away after being removed from life support. They expressed gratitude for the prayers and donations received, stating, “Carly passed away peacefully and is in Heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Katelyn Fultz was arrested for driving under the influence and causing serious injury. Authorities are now weighing additional charges, including vehicular manslaughter or possibly murder.