Castro Valley, CA — What was meant to be a joyful family outing to celebrate a milestone birthday turned into an unimaginable tragedy when 49-year-old Jason Elola, a father of nine, was killed following a road rage incident over the weekend.
According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. near Wilbeam and Norbridge Avenues. Authorities report that a confrontation ensued after a traffic collision between Elola and 37-year-old Martin Davis Jr. Following the crash, a physical altercation broke out. Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) arrived to find Elola critically injured, and he was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
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Davis initially fled the scene but later contacted CHP’s non-emergency line to report his involvement. He returned to the area and cooperated with investigators. Davis has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held at Santa Rita Jail. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities yet to confirm if the collision was intentional.
Family Outing Turns to Tragedy
Elola’s family shared that he, along with his wife, two young daughters, and other family members, had spent the day celebrating their son’s 18th birthday in San Francisco. On their way home, they stopped at Loard’s Ice Cream, a family favorite. “They wanted to stop for some ice cream at my dad’s favorite place he used to take us as kids,” said Angel Elola, Jason’s son.
As they exited the freeway, another vehicle struck the back of Elola’s car. Concerned for his family’s safety, Elola got out to check on them and assess the situation. “My dad, the protector he is, wanted to make sure his wife, five-month-old baby, and 5-year-old daughter were OK,” said Angel. “He wasn’t a confrontational man—he was trying to de-escalate things. But it all happened so fast.”
Elola’s wife, Gabrielle, recalled the moments leading up to the fatal encounter. “The other driver had swerved into our lane and started striking our vehicle at a stoplight,” she said tearfully. “We were scared. My husband got out to protect us.” Seconds later, she saw her husband lying on the ground. “He couldn’t see me. He couldn’t talk to me.”
Remembering a Loving Father and Protector
Jason Elola was known for his generous and joyful spirit. Loved ones describe him as a devoted father who always put his family first. “He was the type of person you could count on if you needed him,” said his cousin, Joseph Munoz. “One of the best fathers I’ve ever seen.”
His son, Angel Elola, shared how deeply his father’s kindness impacted everyone around him. “The nicest, most inviting, loving man that anyone ever knew,” Angel said. “Something can happen so quick, and it can impact families more than you’ll ever know. There’s nine kids and four grandkids who have been deeply affected.”
Gabrielle Elola’s heart is shattered by the loss of her husband. “This person didn’t have to take my husband,” she said through tears. “He could have just driven away. We’re never going to get him back.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the Elola family with funeral expenses and to support them during this heartbreaking time.