VAN LIEW

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 05:26:11 :

Marin Independent Journal
Wednesday, November 16, 1988
Section A, page 4

Man died when car slams into tree

A Fairfax man was killed early today when his car slammed into a tree in San Geronimo Valley.

Samuel Van Liew, 33, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, west of Meadow Drive.

The California Highway Patrol said Van Liew was westbound in his 1967 Buick at speeds estimated at more than 70 mph when he lost control on a curve and skidded into a traffic sign.

Officers said the car continued along the edge of the road, knocked down a young tree, jumped a creek and sliced in half an old oak tree with a 20-inch diameter. According to the reports, Van Liew was ejected and the car rolled over, coming to rest on top of him.

Police were called after a neighbor reported hearing what he though was a bomb explosion. Officers said Van Liew might have survived had he been wearing a seat belt.

Van Liew was a carpenter. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Chapel of the Hills in San Anselmo.