A pair of long-distance runners from Lompoc have been identified as the couple killed when their Tesla slammed into the back of a tractor-trailer last week in Florida.
Karl and Mary Lou Seelandt died on the afternoon of July 6 in the crash at a rest area parking lot near Gainesville, one their two sons said on social media.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the 2015 Tesla, driven by a 66-year-old woman from Lompoc, slammed into the rear of a 2020 Freightliner parked in the southbound rest area parking lot.
The Tesla had been traveling south on Interstate 75 before exiting for the rest area, according to investigators.
For unknown reasons, the Tesla traveled into the parking lot toward the big rig with the markings on the trailer promoting Walmart.
The Tesla slammed into the rear of trailer, where it came to its final rest with most of the hood under the truck. The impact appeared to peel back part of the roof on the vehicle.
Both the driver and the 67-year-old passenger from Lompoc were pronounced deceased at the scene, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration intends to launch a special crash investigation into the incident.
One of the Seelandts’ sons announced the loss on social media, saying they were driving in Florida as part of a cross-country vacation after leaving his house, where they helped celebrate their first grandchild’s first birthday.
“They loved absolutely every minute of the 8 whole days they spent with us and their granddaughter. … We are heartbroken that they were not allowed more time as grandparents, but we are grateful that they were able to experience grandparenthood,” son Michael Seelandt wrote. “Gracie is one of the lights keeping us going right now.”
The couple also have a son named Richard Seelandt.
“My parents were the epitome of love, married for 48 years. We are grateful to have them as an example of true love and the meaning of marriage,” he said.
While family had received only limited information, Michael Seelandt’s post said he was assured that his parents did not suffer — “they went quickly and together as we’re almost certain they would have wanted when it was their time.”
“We know that they touched a lot of people’s lives, and we want to be transparent and supportive of your loss as well,” he wrote, adding that a family member was caring for their cats and home. “We turn to God at this time and believe that they have just brightened Heaven’s party with wine and charcuterie.”
Karl and Mary Lou Seelandt belonged to the Lompoc Valley Distance Club for avid runners, and she led the club for a while.
She had posted about completing in a 5K race on July 4 while visiting Georgia, noting, “It is a lot cooler to run on the California Central Coast!!”
Mary Lou Seelandt had taught fourth and fifth grades at La Canada Elementary School, plus did a stint at Lompoc Valley Middle School. She reportedly retired in 2016 with more than 21 years with the Lompoc Unified School District.
He reportedly worked in the aerospace industry.
A GoFundMe page to help with expenses can be found by clicking here.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.