Report: Local woman killed at dangerous intersection days before son’s first birthday
Brianna Mae Thomas and her son Sean. Image from GoFundMe fundraiser for her family.
Single mom remembered for her resilience and dedication to her son
– A Paso Robles mother’s life was cut short just days before celebrating her son’s first birthday. Brianna Mae Thomas, 27, died on Aug. 28 in a collision at the Wellsona Road and Highway 101 intersection, one of San Luis Obispo County’s deadliest crossings, the San Luis Obispo Tribune reports.
Thomas, a single mother, was heading to buy party supplies for her son Sean’s birthday celebration when her vehicle collided with a semi-truck. According to the California Highway Patrol, Thomas failed to yield to the northbound truck, driven by Justin Levi Adams of Nevada, and died on impact. Adams was uninjured.
Thomas, who attended local schools and graduated from Grizzly Youth Academy, had overcome personal challenges and was striving to provide a better life for her son. After enduring a series of miscarriages, she welcomed Sean in early 2023 and found stability working as a cashier at Oak Hill Market.
“She was trying to rebuild herself and do good for her and her son,” Tuttle told the Tribune. “She had just gotten herself in a content place (when the crash happened).”
Tuttle recalled taking Thomas and Sean to the beach earlier in August, cherishing moments as her daughter embraced motherhood.
The Wellsona Road intersection has a grim history, with eight fatalities reported over the past decade. Despite years of advocacy for improved safety measures, the intersection remains unchanged. Caltrans has plans to construct an underpass near the crossing, but construction is not expected to begin until 2025.
Community members like Tuttle continue to call for quicker action. “How many people have to be hurt?” Tuttle asked the Tribune.
For the original report, visit the San Luis Obispo Tribune
GoFundMe set up for family of Brianna Mae Thomas
Dear Friends and Family,With heavy hearts, we share the devastating news that our beloved Brianna Mae Thomas tragically passed away in a fatal car accident on Wednesday, August 28th. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and niece whose kindness and warmth touched the lives of everyone she knew.There are no words to express the pain and sorrow a mother feels loosing a child, “I was the first one to hold your little hand when you came into this world and the last one to hold your hand when you left”.As we come together to support Brianna’s family during this incredibly difficult time, we are asking for your help. The unexpected loss has left the family not only heartbroken but also facing unforeseen financial burdens, including funeral expenses and ongoing support for Sean her first and only son whom she loved so very much and whose First Birthday is coming up. The birthday party she was so anxiously and excited to do as she had been planning it for months. We would still like to host the party in her honor, as we all knew how important it was to her.She had been a huge inspiration to her family and friends. She was working towards bettering herself and her life for her baby boy who looked up to her. She wanted to be and was the best mom she could be. She was so close to having everything she was working for.We’ve set up this GoFundMe to help alleviate some of the financial strain during this time of grief. Any contribution, no matter how small, would mean the world to us and would help ensure that Brianna’s family can focus on healing without added stress on financial worries.Please keep Brianna and her family in your thoughts and prayers. We are deeply grateful for your love, support, and generosity.
Obituary of Brianna Mae Thomas
Brianna Mae Thomas, born October 15, 1996 in Templeton, passed away in Paso Robles on August 28, 2024 at the age of 27
Brianna grew up in San Miguel, going to Lillian Larsen Elementary School and attending Paso Robles High School.
Brianna’s most cherished role was that of becoming a “Mama” to her only son Sean Author, whom she loved more than anything in the world. She beamed with pride and love when she looked at him. She loved sharing her son with the people she loved.
She is survived by her one-year-old son Sean Author, the true light of her life; her parents, Robert Thomas and Kimberly Tuttle; seven younger siblings, Ashlee and Keanu Thomas, Erica and Austin McQuinn, Justyne and Myranda Graham and Ember Culbertson; three nieces, Timara, Marlea and Izabela; her step-siblings, Diane and Peter Anderson and by many other family members and friends. Brianna was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jack and Cynthia Tuttle.
Brianna’s departure has left a void in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be remembered for her infectious laughter, her genuine kindness, and love for those around her. She was the big sister that loved to annoy her siblings but could also make them laugh at her silliness or jokes. She had a beautiful smile and laugh that will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Obituary from Dignity Memorial
