Traumatic Head Injury After Scooter Crash Claims Life on UC Berkeley Campus
A 59-year-old Berkeley man has died more than a month after suffering a traumatic head injury in a scooter crash on the University of California, Berkeley campus, according to authorities.
The man, identified by the Alameda County Coroner’s Office as Kenneth Wade, died Monday after remaining hospitalized since the crash on December 1. Officials confirmed that Wade was taken off life support before his death.
What Happened
According to UC Berkeley Police, Wade was found unconscious shortly after 3 p.m. near Moffitt Library. Witnesses reported that he lost control of his scooter while traveling downhill at a high speed, resulting in a severe impact.
Emergency responders transported Wade to the hospital, where he remained for several weeks while being treated for a serious traumatic head injury.
Police have not specified:
- What type of scooter was Wade riding
- Whether he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash
Authorities also stated that Wade was not affiliated with the university as a student or employee.
Second Fatal Scooter Crash Raises Safety Concerns
Wade’s death marks the second fatal scooter-related incident in Berkeley in December. On December 13, a 34-year-old Oakland man died after crashing an electric scooter into a parked car, highlighting ongoing concerns about scooter safety and head injury risks, particularly in high-speed or downhill areas.
Why Traumatic Head Injuries From Scooter Crashes Are Often Fatal
Scooter crashes frequently result in head-first impacts, especially when riders lose balance or control at higher speeds. Traumatic head injuries can lead to:
- Brain swelling or bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Long-term neurological damage
- Delayed complications that worsen over time
In many cases, victims may initially survive the crash but later succumb to complications related to traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Understanding Legal and Safety Implications
When a scooter crash happens on public streets or a university campus in California, the law may allow families to seek accountability.
Key legal issues often examined include:
- Unsafe roadway or campus design
- Steep downhill grades or poor lighting
- Missing warning signs or barriers
- Inadequate speed-control measures
- Hazardous environmental conditions
Under California Government Code § 835, a public entity can be held responsible if a dangerous condition of public property contributed to the injury and the entity knew—or should have known—about the risk.
Additional legal considerations:
- Public entities may claim “design immunity” under Government Code § 830.6, but this defense is limited and can be challenged.
- Helmet use may affect comparative fault, but it does not automatically bar a claim.
When a traumatic brain injury leads to death later:
- Families may pursue a wrongful death claim (Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60).
- A survival action may also apply for medical costs and suffering before death (§ 377.30).
Delayed death does not eliminate legal responsibility if medical evidence links the brain injury to the crash.
Support for Families After a Fatal Brain Injury
Losing a loved one to a traumatic head or brain injury is devastating, especially when the decline unfolds over weeks or months. Families often face medical bills, unanswered questions, and profound emotional loss.
At the Brain Injury Help Center, we help families understand:
- What may have gone wrong
- Whether negligence played a role
- What legal options may be available
We offer free consultations, and there is no cost unless we help you recover compensation.
If you or your family has been affected by a fatal traumatic brain or head injury, contact the Brain Injury Help Center to learn how we can help you navigate the road ahead.
