October 1, 2009

On June 26, 2009, a Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS) employee was in the process of transporting six boxes containing personal property to his new office in preparation for a routine transfer to another position within the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The employee checked out a government-owned, full-size pickup truck to facilitate his relocation. While attempting to back the vehicle from its parking space, the driver did not have his seat-belt secured; had his door open; and, was in a reclining position (most likely in an attempt to locate and disengage the parking brake set by the previous driver). Witnesses saw the truck backing up at a rapid rate of speed (which was evident by skid marks), driver side door open and no visible driver. After the truck collided with unoccupied vehicles in the parking lot, the driver was ejected and received fatal injuries. Emergency medical response was believed to be both appropriate and timely.