Yes, Caitlyn Jenner was involved in a fatal multi-vehicle collision in Malibu, California, in February 2015. While driving an SUV, she struck the rear of a Lexus sedan, which was then pushed into oncoming traffic and hit by a Hummer. The driver of the Lexus, Kim Howe, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the California Highway Patrol investigated the incident. Jenner was not criminally charged; however, she was found to be driving at an unsafe speed for the conditions, which was a key factor in the accident. A wrongful death lawsuit filed by Howe's family was later settled out of court.
The accident occurred on the Pacific Coast Highway. Investigators concluded that Jenner was not using her phone and was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The primary cause was determined to be her speed being too high for the congested, stop-and-go traffic, which prevented her from stopping in time when the car in front of her slowed down. This case is often cited in discussions about civil versus criminal liability in traffic accidents. Even without criminal intent, a driver can be deemed negligent if their actions (like speeding) fall below the standard of a "reasonable person," leading to civil liability.
| Key Aspect of the Incident | Details |
|---|
| Date | February 7, 2015 |
| Location | Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA |
| Vehicles Involved | Jenner's SUV, a Lexus sedan, a Hummer |
| Fatalities | Kim Howe, 69 (Lexus driver) |
| Investigating Bodies | LA County Sheriff's Dept., California Highway Patrol |
| Official Finding | Unsafe speed for conditions; no criminal charges filed |
| Legal Outcome | Wrongful death lawsuit settled out of court |
| Reported Cause | Traffic suddenly slowed; Jenner's vehicle rear-ended the Lexus |
