Nicole Lawson Killed in DUI Accident on Painted Cave Road [Santa Barbara, CA]

45-Year-Old Woman Dies in DUI Crash in Santa Barbara

 
SANTA BARBARA, CA (July 31, 2022) – Nicole Lawson died in a DUI crash in Santa Barbara on Saturday evening, July 23.
 
The fatal crash happened shortly before 10:00 p.m. on Painted Cave Road, just north of Highway 154. According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, officers received a report of a collision in the area. When they arrived, they found a 37-year-old man awake near a vehicle and a 45-year-old woman unconscious in the roadway.
 
Lawson was pronounced dead at the scene. She was a passenger in the car and reportedly married to the driver.
 
Deputies arrested the man, identified as 37-year-old Daniel Zuzinec, on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs. Sheriff’s officials say he experienced a medical emergency at the scene and was taken to an area hospital.
 
Zuzinec is currently in custody at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Main Jail on charges of being under the influence of a controlled substance, DUI causing injury, and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. He also reportedly has previous pending charges.
 
Sheriff’s officials will continue to investigate and are awaiting final autopsy and toxicology results to determine Lawson’s official cause of death.

We send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Nicole Lawson.

Speak with our litigators at The Law Offices of Daniel Kim if you have lost a loved one in a DUI crash. Our dedicated wrongful death lawyers will work with you through every stage of the legal process. Our goal involves getting you full and fair compensation and holding the at-fault party accountable. Losing a family member in an accident caused by a negligent driver is never easy. While you focus on things that matter, we will handle the rest. Call (800) 895-7199 to schedule a free consultation. You can also request a copy of the police report from this accident.