CASTRO VALLEY, Calif. — A family outing meant to celebrate a milestone birthday turned into an unimaginable tragedy when 49-year-old Jason Elola, a devoted father of nine, was killed after an alleged road rage crash led to a deadly confrontation in Castro Valley over the weekend.
According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. near Wilbeam and Norbridge Avenues. Investigators say a fight broke out following a traffic collision between Elola and 37-year-old Martin Davis Jr.
When officers from the California Highway Patrol arrived, they found Elola critically injured. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether Davis intentionally struck Elola’s vehicle.
Davis initially left the scene but later contacted CHP’s non-emergency line to report his involvement. He returned to the area, cooperated with investigators, and was arrested on suspicion of murder. He is currently being held at Santa Rita Jail.
A Family Outing Turns Tragic
Elola’s family shared that he, his wife, and two young daughters had spent the day celebrating their son’s 18th birthday in San Francisco. On their way home, they stopped at Loard’s Ice Cream, a place filled with childhood memories.
“They wanted to stop for some ice cream at my dad’s favorite place he used to take us as kids,” said his son, Angel Elola. “As they exited the freeway, another vehicle hit the back of my dad’s car.”
Concerned for his family’s safety, Elola got out to check on them and assess the situation. “My dad, the protector he is, wanted to make sure his wife, five-month-old baby, and 5-year-old daughter were OK,” Angel said. “He wasn’t a confrontational man—he was trying to de-escalate things. But it all happened so fast.”
Elola’s wife, Gabrielle, said the other driver had swerved into their lane and began striking their vehicle at a stoplight. “We were scared. My husband got out to protect us,” she said tearfully. Moments later, she saw her husband lying on the ground. “He couldn’t see me. He couldn’t talk to me.”
Remembering a Loving Father and Protector
Loved ones describe Jason Elola as a joyful, generous man whose greatest pride was his family.
“He was the type of person you could count on if you needed him,” said his cousin, Joseph Munoz. “One of the best fathers I’ve ever seen.”
Angel Elola said his father’s warmth and kindness touched everyone who knew him. “The nicest, most inviting, loving man that anyone ever knew,” he said. “Something can happen so quick, and it can impact families more than you’ll ever know. There’s nine kids and four grandkids who have been deeply affected.”
Gabrielle Elola said her heart is shattered by the loss of her husband. “This person didn’t have to take my husband,” she said. “He could have just driven away. We’re never going to get him back.”
A GoFundMe has been created to help the Elola family cover funeral expenses and support them during this devastating time.
Jason Elola will be remembered as a devoted father, loving husband, and selfless protector whose life was tragically cut short while doing what he always did—putting his family first.