Bay Area Mother Killed in Head-On Crash Near San Jose Home

URGENT UPDATE: A tragic car accident near San Jose has claimed the life of 74-year-old Ellen Orcutt, a beloved mother and dedicated social worker. The accident occurred on October 25, just down the street from her home on Foxworthy Avenue. The driver of an SUV, who was attempting to pass another vehicle, collided head-on with Orcutt’s Honda CRV, resulting in both vehicles flipping over. The impact was devastating, leading to the driver’s death from injuries sustained in the crash.

Family and friends are mourning the loss of Orcutt, with her daughter, Joelle Orlando, expressing her heartache: “I just lost my best friend and my guiding light in this world.” Officials have indicated that the SUV driver may have been under the influence at the time of the accident.

Orcutt’s life was marked by her commitment to helping others. A social worker for 25 years at Pacific Clinics, a nonprofit provider of behavioral and mental health services, Orcutt was known for her selflessness and kindness. Friend and colleague Greg Yoder shared, “She dealt with families facing incredibly difficult situations—she was prepared for it because she had been through some of it herself.”

Loved ones referred to Orcutt as the “resource queen,” often seen driving around with a car full of hygiene kits, clothes, and other essentials to help those in need. Andrew Ford, a coworker, emphasized her impact: “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.”

In a poignant reflection on her years of service, Orcutt recently wrote in an email, “May you all be thankful and with hope for yourselves and those families that come into your life… they have a story to share and so do you. Keep hope alive.”

Orlando is determined to continue her mother’s legacy, urging others to cherish every moment. “Not forget how important life is and to cherish every moment that you have because you never know when it’s going to be taken,” she said.

As the community continues to grieve, the San Jose Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The loss of Ellen Orcutt has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew her, as they remember her for the love and light she brought into their lives.