Ellen Orcutt Obituary, Death – San Jose police have shared more details about a tragic head-on collision that occurred over the weekend, leaving one person dead and another severely injured. The incident happened around 2:35 p.m. on Saturday, in the area of Foxworthy and Jarvis avenues — a typically quiet residential neighborhood that has now been shaken by the crash.
According to the San Jose Police Department’s preliminary report, the crash began when a man driving a GMC Yukon was traveling east on Foxworthy Avenue, west of Jarvis Avenue. Investigators believe that as he attempted to pass a Subaru Forester on the right side, the Yukon struck the Subaru. The impact caused the Yukon to veer out of its lane and into oncoming traffic, where it collided head-on with a Honda CRV traveling in the opposite direction.
Police said the collision caused both vehicles to sustain severe damage. The driver of the Honda CRV, identified as 74-year-old Ellen Orcutt, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Yukon driver was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. The driver of the Subaru Forester was reportedly unharmed.
Family members have since shared that Orcutt lived nearby and had been running a simple errand when the crash occurred. Her brother, Marc Boyd, said that his sister was on her way to a local bank to withdraw money for her grandchildren. Describing her as a selfless and compassionate person, Boyd explained that Orcutt spent more than three decades dedicating her career to nonprofit organizations, where she focused on helping families, people experiencing homelessness, and survivors of domestic challenges.
“She was just a wonderful person,” Boyd told reporters. “Very giving, kind, and generous — always putting others before herself.”
Witnesses said the crash was followed by a large fire. Home security footage from nearby residents reportedly captured the moment when the Yukon collided with the CRV, rolled over, and burst into flames. Residents immediately called emergency services and rushed outside in an attempt to assist.
“I walked out and saw the car completely on fire,” said Israel Lomeli, who lives nearby. “I was panicking, talking to the officer on the phone, telling them to please hurry because there were people hurt, and the cars were upside down.”
While investigators have not released the cause of the crash, residents say speeding has long been an issue in the area. Witnesses estimated that the Yukon was traveling at a significantly higher speed than the posted 30 mph limit before losing control. Police are working to confirm those details as part of the ongoing investigation.
The incident has prompted many in the community to call for new safety measures. Several neighbors have started a petition urging the city to install additional stop signs, speed bumps, or other forms of traffic control along Foxworthy Avenue to help slow vehicles down and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Residents expressed frustration that despite repeated requests for safety improvements, little has been done to address the problem. “We’ve been worried about this for a while,” said one neighbor. “People drive too fast down this street, and it was only a matter of time before something terrible happened.”
The San Jose Police Department continues to investigate the crash and has not yet determined whether charges will be filed. Officers are reviewing surveillance footage and gathering witness statements to establish the exact sequence of events leading up to the collision.
Saturday’s crash marks another tragic loss on San Jose roads this year. Police officials have reminded drivers to stay alert, obey posted speed limits, and exercise caution in residential areas where families and children are often present.
For now, friends and family of Ellen Orcutt are mourning the loss of a woman remembered for her compassion, generosity, and lifelong dedication to serving others.
