BASS LAKE — A couple from Yosemite Lakes Park were killed Sunday night in a single-vehicle traffic accident after their 2003 Jeep was reportedly struck by a falling tree on Beasore Road and then crashed down a steep embankment.
The couple, identified as Edward and Marie I. Poulson, reportedly went out for a drive Sunday evening. Their son, who lives in Clovis, reported them missing Monday afternoon.
Marie and Edward Poulson and their 2003 Jeep (photos courtesy MCSO)
The accident scene was not discovered until late Monday night when a Forest Service ranger noticed car fragments on the road and then discovered the couple’s Jeep Rubicon further down the embankment, according to the California Highway Patrol, which responded to the scene along with CAL FIRE, Search & Rescue and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.
At about 9:25 Monday evening, according to CHP’s initial report, “a law enforcement officer with the U.S. Forest Service located the involved vehicle and parties on Beasore Road north of Road 274. Prior to the collision, the involved parties were last seen on the morning of October 27.”
On Sunday night, 50 to 70 mph winds whipped through the Beasore corridor, causing a number of large trees to fall across area roadways.
The CHP report states Edward Polson, 62, was driving southbound on Beasore “at an unknown speed” at the time the accident happened.
Marie Poulson, 59, was sitting in the right front passenger seat, according to the report. “A large tree fell and struck the Jeep causing the Jeep to travel off the east roadway edge. The Jeep went down a steep embankment, striking several trees before coming to a rest.”
Both Edward and Marie Poulson suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene, according to CHP. Family and friends say Edward went by “Matt” and Marie was better known as Iva.
MCSO also posted a news release about the accident on their Facebook page stating: “Shortly before 9:30 p.m. on 10/28/19, Edward and Iva Poulson were located off of Beasore Rd in Bass Lake in their vehicle, which had been involved in an accident. Both occupants were declared deceased at the scene. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the vehicle accident will be conducted by the California Highway Patrol.”
MCSO’s release also included photos of the couple and their Jeep.
*More information about the accident will be posted when it becomes available.
