Authorities said alcohol was likely a factor in the tragic accident that killed two Central Coast women on Dec. 21 in Nipomo.
Police say Jami Tillema, 26, of Arroyo Grande was driving westbound on Willow Road when she apparently lost control of her 1992 BMW while attempting to make a sharp right turn at around 1:50 a.m. The car dove into a deep drainage ditch, flipped over twice, and landed on its roof.
Tillema and her 20-year-old passenger, Jamie Tatum of Oceano, were pronounced dead at the scene. The women were not wearing seat belts.
“There was a strong odor of alcohol on both women and in the car,� said California Highway Patrol Officer Joe Vega. “Speeding was not a factor in the accident.�
Officials are running toxicology tests that would confirm the role of drugs or alcohol in the fatal accident.
Tillema leaves behind a 4-month-old son and an 8-year-old daughter.
There have been 29 fatal accidents on San Luis Obispo County roads this year, up from 19 in 2004.
This article appears in Dec 29, 2005 – Jan 5, 2006.
R.I.P. Jamie Tatum. You’re still on our minds. You’re still missed and remembered.
Sincerely,
Brandon Pendley