Michael Martinez Killed in DUI Head-On Crash on Santa Lucia Canyon Road [LOMPOC, CA]

Michael Martinez Killed in DUI Head-On Crash on Santa Lucia Canyon Road [LOMPOC, CA]

Michael Culligan Arrested for DUI after Fatal Head-On Crash on Santa Lucia Canyon Road in Lompoc

 
LOMPOC, CA (June 15, 2020) – A motorist who died in a DUI head-on crash Monday last week has been identified as Michael Daniel Martinez, 35, of Santa Maria.
 
The crash happened around 12:30 p.m. on Santa Lucia Canyon Road near Vanderberg Air Force base.
 
Michael Culligan, 29, of Lompoc, was driving a stolen Jeep on Santa Lucia Canyon Road. For unknown reasons, he drifted across the centerline into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a blue Lexus driven by Martinez.
 
As a result, Martinez died at the scene. His 37-year-old female passenger was seriously injured. Paramedics took the passenger to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for treatment.
 
Culligan fled the scene on foot after the accident. Police later found him near the Lompoc- Surf Train Station.
 
After his capture, Culligan admitted to using drugs before driving. Police arrested him on multiple charges.
 
This fatal incident remains under investigation.
 
Culligan initially appeared at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles on June 17 on a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter.

The Sweet James team would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michael Martinez.

Losing a loved one in a car crash caused by a DUI driver is a horrible tragedy for those left behind. Let the wrongful death lawyers at Sweet James help you during this trying time. With 20 years of experience in the field, we know what it takes to help you win your case. We want to ease your financial and legal burdens, so you can focus on coping with grief. Call our offices today at (800) 975-3435 for a free case evaluation. If you are a family member of the victim involved in this accident, we may be able to help you obtain the police report. Click here to request.