Oregon Woman's First Court Appearance in Fatal Hit-and-Run of SLO Bicyclist

San Luis Obispo, California | January 8, 2025

An Oregon woman, Vanessa Rose Noblitt, 44, made her first court appearance Wednesday in San Luis Obispo County following a fatal hit-and-run crash that resulted in the death of one bicyclist and serious injuries to another. Noblitt faces felony charges including vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI causing injury, and hit-and-run resulting in property damage.

Details of the Crash

The crash occurred on July 23, 2024, when Noblitt allegedly struck two elderly men riding electric bicycles near the cemetery on South Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo. The victims, 74-year-old Martin Suits and 87-year-old Saul Goldberg, both of Avila Beach, were wearing helmets at the time of the incident. According to police, Noblitt sideswiped one bicycle and then struck the other before fleeing the scene.

Both cyclists were thrown to the ground. Suits survived with moderate injuries, but Goldberg succumbed to his injuries days later while hospitalized. Minutes after the fatal crash, authorities say Noblitt crashed into a parked car in a nearby mobile home community.

Following an investigation, the San Luis Obispo Police Department linked both crashes and executed search warrants at Noblitt’s residence in Bend, Oregon. Her vehicle was seized in August 2024, and she was later arrested in Oregon on December 19, 2024.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office charged Noblitt with:

• Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated (without gross negligence)
• Driving under the influence causing injury
• DUI with a blood alcohol content above 0.08
• Property damage hit-and-run

These charges are accompanied by sentencing enhancements for inflicting great bodily injury, injuring multiple victims, and having a blood alcohol content of 0.15 or higher. Her bail has been set at $160,000. She remains in custody at San Luis Obispo County Jail, with her arraignment scheduled for January 22, 2025.

Legal Implications Under Oregon Law

Although the crash occurred in California, Noblitt's Oregon residency highlights broader concerns about Oregon drunk driver accident injury cases and the legal responsibilities of impaired drivers across state lines.

In Oregon, DUI-related crashes that result in death or serious injury can give rise to wrongful death claims and personal injury lawsuits. Victims or their families may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and funeral costs. When a driver flees the scene, as alleged in this case, it can further compound their legal liability.

This crash also underscores the increasing risks faced by bicyclists and the importance of addressing bicycle accident injuries caused by impaired or negligent drivers. As e-bikes become more popular among older adults, public safety and driver accountability become even more pressing concerns.

Seeking Justice and Accountability

The families of victims like Saul Goldberg, and survivors like Martin Suits, may be entitled to civil remedies in addition to the criminal proceedings underway. While the criminal justice system seeks to hold Noblitt accountable, civil legal action can offer families a measure of financial and emotional closure.

If you or a loved one has been injured or lost someone due to a drunk driving accident, the experienced attorneys at Pacific Injury Law Firm are here to help. We offer free consultations to review your legal rights and options under Oregon law. Visit our contact page or call us at 971-277-3811.

Sources:

• Chloe Jones (opens in a new tab)