Fundraiser Held for Family of Man Killed by Wrong-Way Driver

Doug Menegos, 49, was killed on May 30 when motorist Trista Stier, 29, intentionally drove her car the wrong way on SR-67, plowing head-on into his truck

Loved ones gathered Friday evening for a fundraiser in honor of a San Diego man tragically killed last week when a motorist intentionally drove the wrong way on State Route 67, slamming her vehicle head-on into the man’s truck.

Doug Menegos, 49 – a husband and father of two – died from injuries sustained in the May 30 crash. He was on his way home from work at the time of the fatal collision.

According to California Highway Patrol officials, motorist Trista Stier, 29, drove the wrong way on purpose up an SR-67 off-ramp in Lakeside just as Menegos was approaching in his Select Electric utility truck.

Stier killed herself in the crash, too, which CHP officials called an “intentional act turned homicide.”

The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Officer listed Stier’s cause of death as a suicide. Based on statements from Stier’s family, investigators believe she was suicidal at the time of the crash and intentionally caused the collision.

Menegos leaves behind his wife, Lisa, and two children, Jacob and Kara.

Loved ones have been collecting donations to help the family and continued to do so with a fundraiser and benefit event Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Downtown Café at 182 E. Main St. in El Cajon. The event was open to the public.

Menegos' brother, Nick Menegos, said the benefit event was meant to bring together the community and pay tribute to his beloved sibling.

"I have in my heart that I would like to do something to commemorate his life," said Nick. "He was well-loved by a lot of people, and I love him dearly and can’t bring him back, but I can try to do something to commemorate him."

Fundraiser organizers said the family is devastated by the sudden death of Menegos. Loved ones will forever remember him as a “provider for his family and devoted family man.”

Fundraising efforts will help his surviving family members cover funeral expenses and anything extra will go towards a college fund for Menegos’ two children, ages 17 and 20.

Meanwhile, a Go Fund Me donation page has also been established for the family online. As of Friday night, nearly $50,000 had been collected through the page. To donate, click here.

The family has also planned a memorial service for Menegos on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Foothills Christian Church-Main Sanctuary on West Bradley Avenue in El Cajon. The family requests all attendees dress in “Doug Attire,” meaning T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops – just as Menegos would’ve wanted it.
 

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