A 24-year-old Santa Ynez woman critically injured this month in a crash on Highway 154 in Santa Barbara has died after being taken off life support, according to her family as they remember Carly Grace Howard’s zest for life and love of family.
Howard died Wednesday, days after being removed from life support when the family learned of the grim prognosis, including “no expectation of regaining consciousness.”
She was injured in the head-on crash allegedly caused by a drunken driver at 6:53 a.m. May 1 on Highway 154 near San Antonio Creek Road.
The California Highway Patrol said Katelyn Rose Fultz, 28, of Santa Barbara was driving a GMC Sierra truck eastbound on the highway when the vehicle allegedly crossed the double yellow lines into oncoming traffic and collided with a Pontiac Vibe sedan.
Howard suffered “a devastating traumatic brain injury” along with many broken bones and underwent surgery to ease swelling in her brain.
She was born in Arkansas, but the youngest of five siblings moved to California about two years ago to pursue her acting dream, her brother Logan Howard said.
Living in Santa Barbara, she worked as a personal assistant for a Santa Ynez family, her brother, Logan, added.
“She lived life to the fullest,” her brother said, adding that his sister’s energy proved infectious to those around her.
“She dared to chase her dreams and she loved traveling the world,” he said.
He recalled his youngest sibling as “an adventurous soul,” including taking a solo trip to Italy just because she wanted to go.
She became the fun aunt, dreaming of one day taking each of her six nieces and nephews as they got older on a trip.
“Carly’s priorities were she loved the Lord, she loved her family and would do anything for her family, and she loved life,” her brother said.
Their parents and other siblings also traveled to Santa Barbara as Howard’s prognosis remained grim. Doctors eventually confirmed her brain damage was irreparable and told the family they didn’t expect her to regain consciousness.
A GoFundMe page, “Our Carly, Our Fighter; Help Her Fight Back” to assist the family, had reached nearly $57,000 as of Thursday evening.
“Thank you, everyone, for the support you have shown through both prayers and donations. It has helped more than you know. Every donation has been seen, and the prayers have been felt,” the GoFundMe page said.
“We are grateful for our friends, family and community, and we are grateful for the reach of Carly’s story and how we have been afforded the opportunity to showcase God’s grace.”
Fultz has been charged with felony driving under the influence causing injury, driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher causing injury, and misdemeanor driving without a license.
She also faces several special allegations, or sentencing enhancements, including for driving with a BAC of 0.15% or greater, injuring multiple people, causing great bodily injury involving a brain injury or paralysis, and others.
Earlier this month, Fultz pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied the allegations.
On Thursday, she remained in the custody of the Santa Barbara County Jail with bail set at $250,000.
On Friday, Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office filed a motion to amend the criminal complaint because of Howard’s death. The amended complaint would add a charge of felony gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
The case is scheduled to return to Santa Barbara County Superior Court‘s Department 11 on June 10, according to Deputy District Attorney Michelle Mossembekker.