UPDATE: A tragic head-on collision in San Jose has claimed the life of 74-year-old Ellen Orcutt, a beloved mother and dedicated social worker, just down the street from her home. The accident occurred on October 25 on Foxworthy Avenue, leaving family and friends devastated as they remember her profound impact on the community.
The crash involved an SUV whose driver reportedly attempted to overtake another vehicle, crossing into oncoming traffic and colliding with Orcutt’s Honda CRV. The force of the impact was so severe that both vehicles flipped over. Tragically, the driver of the SUV also died from his injuries the following morning. Initial reports indicate the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.
Orcutt’s daughter, Joelle Orlando, expressed her heartbreak, stating, “I just lost my best friend and my guiding light in this world.” As the family grapples with this sudden loss, Orlando emphasized the importance of remembering her mother for her life, not just her tragic death: “I want her to be remembered for how she lived and her life was beautiful.”
Orcutt devoted over 25 years of her life as a social worker for Pacific Clinics, a nonprofit organization focused on behavioral and mental health services. Friends and colleagues describe her as “kind, generous, and the most selfless person I’ve ever met.” Greg Yoder, a family friend for over three decades, shared, “She dealt with families in incredibly difficult situations. She was prepared for it.”
Known affectionately as the “resource queen,” Orcutt was always ready with supplies to support families in need. Andrew Ford, a coworker at Pacific Clinics, recalled how Orcutt brought hygiene kits, clothes, and even bubbles to diffuse tense situations. “Our world is a little chaotic, but people like Ellen were always there to remind you that life may be chaotic, but you’re okay, and we’re all going to be okay,” Ford said.
In a recent email shared by her coworkers, Orcutt reflected on her years of dedicated service, urging others to remain hopeful: “May you all be thankful and with hope for yourselves and those families that come into your life… Keep hope alive.”
As the community mourns, Orlando is determined to honor her mother’s legacy by continuing her mission of helping others. “Don’t forget how important life is and to cherish every moment because you never know when it’s going to be taken,” she urged.
This incident has sparked conversations about road safety and the dangers of impaired driving. As investigations continue, the San Jose community is left to remember a woman who devoted her life to uplifting others, now mourned deeply by all who knew her.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.
