Santa Maria, CA – On the morning of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, James “Rick” Fuller, 61, and Eric Fuller, 60, were found to have been killed in a single-vehicle rollover crash after having been missing for weeks, according to The San Luis Obispo Tribune.
The California Highway Patrol reports that the accident took place around 10:00 AM near Highway 166 and Old Sierra Road, approximately 39 miles east of Highway 101.
Emergency personnel responded after a Caltrans employee spotted an overturned vehicle approximately 80 feet down an embankment, concealed by dense brush. The vehicle, a blue 1998 GMC two-door truck, was not visible from the roadway and had likely been there for weeks before it was found.
Authorities said two deceased individuals were recovered from the vehicle. Based on preliminary findings at the scene, the victims were identified as brothers James Fuller and Eric Fuller, who had last been seen on June 6 when they departed from Cuyama en route to Santa Maria for a medical appointment.
Due to the advanced state of decomposition, officials stated that positive identification will require DNA testing, a process that may take several months. No signs of foul play were found, and investigators believe the crash was accidental.
A missing persons report had been filed for James Fuller on June 10, with information indicating that he was last seen with his brother. Search efforts by CHP units and aircraft on June 18 failed to locate the vehicle or the men at that time.
The family has since launched a fundraiser to assist with burial expenses and shared that funeral arrangements are being handled by Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel in Grover Beach.
Single-Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, investigations may reveal that even in a single-vehicle accident, nearby drivers or unsafe road features share some responsibility. California’s Comparative Negligence rule means that, even if those injured in accidents are found partially at fault, they may still be eligible to receive partial compensation for damages.
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Personal Injury claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming. As a neutral third party, an experienced personal injury attorney can help to navigate these emotional complexities.
