On November 5, 2023, a heartbreaking series of events unfolded when Monica Cameroni de Adams, a 65-year-old woman, was struck by a drunk driver while sleeping in her van on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in San Diego. The collision left her with severe but survivable injuries. Tragically, no one realized she was inside the vehicle, and it was towed away. It wasn’t until a month later that her body was discovered in an impound lot, sparking outrage and a $50 million lawsuit against the city of San Diego.

What Happened That Night?

According to the family’s lawsuit, Monica Cameroni de Adams was homeless and had been sleeping in her 2001 Honda Odyssey when a 25-year-old man named Jordan Lopez, who was allegedly driving under the influence, slammed into her van at around 1:08 a.m. on November 5, 2023. Despite the severity of the impact, Ms. Cameroni de Adams sustained injuries that should have been treatable. However, the situation took a tragic turn when no one checked the van to ensure it was unoccupied before towing it.

The Family's Desperate Search

For days, Monica’s children tried to reach her without success. On November 14, 2023, they finally filed a missing person’s report after sending her birthday wishes and receiving no response. By then, it was too late. About a month after the crash, a worker at the tow yard noticed a foul smell emanating from the van. Upon inspection, they discovered Monica Cameroni de Adams’ body partially buried under her belongings in the middle seat of her vehicle.

Read also:
Octomoms Grocery Bill A Shocking Reality

Seeking Justice Through Legal Action

Her family is now suing the city of San Diego for $50 million, alleging that city officials and employees failed in their duty to ensure the safety of individuals involved in accidents. The lawsuit claims that the defendants effectively "entombed" Monica Cameroni de Adams inside her vehicle instead of providing the medical assistance she desperately needed after sustaining severe blunt force injuries from the collision.

The complaint goes on to state that the defendants violated the plaintiffs' legal rights by not following proper procedures during the towing and impoundment process. This oversight not only cost Monica her life but also inflicted unimaginable pain on her loved ones who were left searching for answers during those agonizing weeks.

A Preventable Tragedy

This story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough checks during traffic incidents and the potentially fatal consequences of neglecting such protocols. It’s hard to imagine how something so preventable could happen in today’s world, especially when lives are at stake. The Cameroni de Adams family is now seeking justice and accountability from those responsible for their loss.

Monica Cameroni de Adams' tragic death highlights the need for stricter guidelines and better training for first responders, tow truck operators, and law enforcement personnel. It’s crucial that we learn from this heartbreaking incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

How to Follow the Story

To stay updated on this developing story, you can stream the latest news updates on your phone using the 12News app or CBS 8 app. These platforms will keep you informed about any new developments in the case against the city of San Diego and the ongoing fight for justice by the Cameroni de Adams family.

As we reflect on this case, let’s honor Monica Cameroni de Adams’ memory by advocating for systemic changes that prioritize human life above all else. Her story deserves to be heard, and her family deserves closure and justice.