An Australian mother and her son have died in a strange car accident in the United States.
A white Toyota Tacoma pickup truck allegedly veered onto the wrong side of Highway 85 in San Jose, California, before crashing into a Tesla carrying Rebecca Olsen, 47, and her son Charlie, 14, at approximately 3:40 p.m. Monday.
The couple died in the terrible collision.
The California Highway Patrol said the collision between the couple’s Tesla and the Toyota Tacoma had closed the highway.
Ms Olsen’s ex-husband and Charlie’s father, Cameron Olsen, said he had been left with a void in his life that “can never be filled”.
He remembered his ex-wife as a loving mother (the couple met when they were 20 in Australia) and Olsen said they were the best “co-parents” together.
The trio moved to Silicon Valley 12 years ago when Olsen sought job opportunities at a local tech company.
“Rebecca was an incredible mother – loving and deeply committed to our son’s future,” she wrote in a social media post.
Charlie Olsen, 14, and his mother Rebecca Olsen, 47 (above) were killed in a head-on collision in the US.
The horrific crash saw a large van, travelling in the wrong direction, crash into the couple’s Tesla.
‘She believed in the power of education and was passionate about travel, always encouraging Charlie to broaden his horizons.’
Charlie was born in the United Kingdom and had traveled to more than 30 countries, his father said.
“Charlie was a bright light in our lives. He had an insatiable curiosity and a passion for the world around him,” Olsen said.
‘Whether it was traveling to new places, getting lost in a good book, learning another language, or solving complex math problems, learning brought her joy.
‘He was my best friend, my traveling companion, and the only person I truly felt at home with.
“I want my son back beyond all understanding.”
Mr. Olsen left a link to make donations to Summit Tahoma High School to help other people’s children enjoy the school trips his son was looking forward to.
“Many of you have asked how best to honor their lives and legacy…if you are willing to donate in memory of Charlie and Rebecca, please consider directing your gift to Summit Tahoma High School,” he wrote with a link to the donation site.
Mr Olsen told news.com.au his son had passed an exam to advance a year in maths, but he did not find out until after his son had passed.
The last time she saw her son was three days before the accident, on Friday, and she said he was “super happy.”
“Charlie was extraordinary. He spoke several languages. He knew political systems inside and out. By the age of 13, he had traveled to seven continents,” Olsen said.
He also said that the days have passed slowly since the accident, as he mourns his losses.
“I feel like every minute is an hour, every hour is a day, and every day is a week. It’s a dream,” she said.
“I formally identified Charlie at the coroner’s office today (via a photo). The accident hurt him badly and I haven’t stopped crying since.”
The crash closed three lanes of Highway 85 on Monday and a Florida man was taken to the hospital.
According to US media, the California Highway Patrol had received reports that a white Toyota Tacoma was driving in the wrong direction on Highway 85 on Monday before the collision.
The driver of the Toyota has been identified as Duncan McQuarrie of Orlando, Florida, according to CBS News.
He reportedly suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital.
No charges have been filed.
