Mickey Oden, 40, of Llano was arrested in connection with the traffic collision, which was reported at 4:18 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, on State Route 138 near 72nd Street East, according to a California Highway Patrol report.
Oden was driving a 2003 Nissan east on SR-138 in the eastbound lane, while two motorcyclists were riding Harley Davidson motorcycles west on SR-138 in the westbound lane, the CHP report states. Oden made a left turn ahead of the motorcycles, and one of the bikers crashed into the right side of the Nissan and was thrown from his motorcycle, according to the CHP report. That motorcycle crashed into the second motorcycle whose rider, 28-year-old James Seier of Port Hueneme, laid his motorcycle down, the CHP report states.
Seier sustained minor injuries, including an abrasion to his right arm, according to the CHP report. The rider who crashed into the Nissan sustained fatal injuries. His name has not yet been officially released. Oden, who complained of pain to the chest, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and booked at the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station in lieu of $100,000 bail.
“Alcohol use is suspected to be a factor in this collision,” the CHP report states. Anyone with information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact Officer Alonzo at the Antelope Valley Area CHP Office at 661-948-8541.
UPDATE: The deceased has been identified as 26-year-old Aaron Esala, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.
Anon says
The drunk was probably on his way to go get more beer. Selfishness can lead to other’s death and suffering.
Gerald Esala says
The man that killed Aaron took a plea deal. He will only do four years in prison….
Amanda Whisenhunt says
Is there anyway that we can petition for a longer sentencing? That is nothing compared to what you and your family and friends have lost! You are all always on my mind, and I had hoped that they threw the book at this man.
Aaron worked with my husband in California and was going to continue working with him in his next station in Texas. We are still trying to come to reality of him not being with us.
Anon says
There are many websites that can start petitions. I don’t know if there are any fees but this worm of a man deserves life for murder. I’m sorry for your loss Gerald.
The driver is guilty says
As someone who had the misfortune of knowing Mickey Oden, I can tell you this… he was a prior felon and belligerent drunk with current open cases of the sickest nature. He does not deserve to be a free man and I am so so terribly sorry for the loss of this young mans life. My sincerest condolences to the family. No family should ever have to go through this.
Gerald Esala says
I am Aaron’s dad. Aaron’s last name is Finnish and not Mexican, It’s should not make any difference. Aaron loved all people and worked hard for those in need all over the world as part of the Navy. Check you [removed] or shut up if you are a racist Trump lover!!! I will bury my boy tomorrow…..you have him to thank for your safety in this country. I welcome any one of you to visit with a Navy Seabee or me in Wisconsin if you have an issues with my comment.
Jenny says
I just heard about my cousin killing your son. I so sorry for your loss. This is so unfair that you’ve lost your son to something that’s was preventable. I will keep your family in my prayers. I know that’s not going bring your son back. 4 years it’s really enough for him to stay in prison.
Aaron's Obituary says
For those of you who are interested in learning more about this young man:
Aaron Joseph Esala, age 26 of Oxnard, CA, formerly Ashland, WI, passed away on September 5, 2018, as the result of a tragic motorcycle accident in Littlerock, CA.
Aaron was born on October 2, 1991, in Cloquet, MN, the son of Gerald J. and Ann F. (Johnson) Esala. He attended Ashland High School, where he excelled at football, track, and powerlifting. After graduating in 2010, he attended the University of Minnesota in Duluth, where he was a member of the 2010 NCAA Division II National Championship football team. Aaron returned to Ashland and worked at Carlson Building Products, where his co-workers nicknamed him the “Human Forklift.”
In November of 2013, Aaron enlisted in the United States Navy and was, at the time of his death, a UT2 (Utilitiesman Petty Officer Second Class). Like his great-grandfather Wilho E. Esala, Aaron was a member of the Seabees. During his time in the Navy, Aaron was stationed in Greece, Diego Garcia, and Timor Leste. Aaron’s fellow Seabees affectionally referred to him as “Truck.”
On September 1, 2018, surrounded by hundreds of loving family members and friends, Aaron was united in marriage to Amber J. Ovaska in Ashland. He and his wife were returning to Port Hueneme in California in anticipation of moving to his new assignment in Texas.
Survivors include his wife, Amber, of California and Ashland, WI; his mother, Ann Esala of Superior, WI; father and stepmother, Jerry and Shannon Esala of Ashland, WI; brothers, Justin and Logan Esala of Ashland, WI; father- and mother-in-law, Scott and Vicki Ovaska of Marengo, WI; brother-in-law, David Ovaska of Marengo, WI; grandparents, Carol Esala of Centennial, CO, Gene Esala of Englewood, FL, and Frances Kuester of Ashland, WI; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Aaron was preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard “Dick” and Vieno “Vi”Johnson; his grandfather, David “Duke” Kuester; and his dear friend, Grant Kamunen.
A funeral service for Aaron will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 15, at the Ashland High School gymnasium with Pastor Rick Williams officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service.
Interment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery in Ashland.
The Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI, is assisting Aaron’s family. In lieu of flowers, the family will be establishing a memorial fund in Aaron’s name to be determined at a later date.
Darrell Bullock says
I’m sorry for your loss. I am a Rider too. I’ve also gone to quite a few Funeral’s over the years, of fallen Brothers. ; (
SMHX2 says
RIP fellow USN Seabee.
Ashamed of Others says
Aaron is a family friend of ours. We grew up in the MN/WI area. Some of these comments have been deeply hurtful to people who are close to him.
Aaron just celebrated his wedding the weekend before his passing. It was a very happy and successful time of his life. He was also a proud member of the Navy, was his mother’s only son, and was a million other good things.
Please consider the audience of your posts, and know that many people who love Aaron are reading and sharing these articles. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but please consider a different place to share things that may be considered insensitive.
Jarvis O'Hare says
The California Senate has to make motorcycle use illegal in California and all the motorcycle deaths will end. The final solution!
Sally Oden says
That’s the smartest thing I have ever heard. You are one brilliant person Jarvis O’Hare.
Anonymous says
Are you that stupid? That it absolute [removed]. Motorcycles have the same rights as cars do to be on the road. What should be illegal is drinking and driving. Oh wait… IT IS. Maybe don’t get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle when you’ve been drinking? Because of this mans selfish actions he ruined the lives of Aaron, his new wife, his family, friends, and the community in which he grew up. God bless Aaron and the people who care for care for him.
topgunshooter says
thats what they’re doing with our guns.. Sally get with the times.
CW says
Or, people can pull their heads out of their [removed] and drive responsibly – sober, focused on driving, and courteous of other drivers
John says
or eliminate ALL vehicles and the vehicle accident rate will be zero
AV’er in Idaho says
Just like the laws against drunk driving prevents… oh… wait… the guy that caused this tragedy was drunk. Never mind.
Oscar B Garcia says
my son Oscar B. Garcia passed away in the same fashion 4 years ago – driver cut in off making a left turn – people be aware of bike riders and their vulnerability – God bless him and his family. RIP
Robert Hyden says
One drunk Mexican made a turn in front of another drunk Mexican. So?
MAGA! TRUMP 2020
CW says
What is wrong with you? Our world would be better losing racist [removed] like you instead of a young man serving our country
Hannah Baker says
Except Aaron wasn’t Mexican. Show a little respect. He was on his way back to the Navy Base after getting married.
Ginger says
And Aaron wasn’t drunk you insensitive, racist, Trump thumping idiot.
Sick of Bigots says
Robert Hayden – You should be ashamed of yourself to devalue a life based on someone’s last name.
Aaron was an American, a beloved Sailor, and only got to enjoy being a husband for a few days before this trajedy.
Think before you spout off – this young man wore the fabric of our nation that defends the constitution and the rights of ALL Americans.
Amanda Whisenhunt says
The motorcyclist is NOT Mexican and he was not drunk!
Anon says
As a Trump supporter and someone who knew Aaron very well, I must say that that is very rude. Aaron isn’t Mexican and he was also a Trump supporter. His last name is Finnish by the way.
Mars says
Unfortunately on this road many cars try to beat the vehicles ..& many drivers are on there phones or distracted
and yes many drink while driving or drive while drunk..Driving is scary in the Antelope Valley.
F__k the AV says
Fun fact! Amost all vehicle fatalities involve sober drivers. Read something sometime, it’ll enlighten ya.
☠Sammy P☠ says
I wish I was not so desensitized to this.. I feel sorry for the victim.. but tomorrow I will browse news sites and read about a dead prostitute found in a dumpster.. or a mass shooting at some school.. or the body of a raped 9 year old found in a river.
And so sometimes I feel bad, when reading about somebody’s horrible loss knowing that tomorrow I will forget all about it, and read about the terrible pain and suffering that someone else is going through..
Being gifted with compassion and empathy can also be a curse. Because in a world filled with so much dishonesty, greed, pain and suffering.. the hearts of the decent humans, become full too easily, as they try to soak up evil. But sometimes they overflow.. so we become desensitized… I hope u can understand.. sorry for your loss.
jackie colvin says
Yes he was just married last Saturday.. R.I.P Aaron we love you and will miss you god bless
Lola G says
May his soul be received in heaven by God and all the angels may his wife and family find comfort in their Faith let’s Pray for them . We as a community are saddened by their loss . May her rest in God’s Eternal Light . Prayers
sosad says
He just got married Sept 1st 2018. Tragic RIP
Ron says
That’s why we need checkpoints.
Alexis says
They don’t set up checkpoints at 4:18P.M., or at 10:00A.M., or at 1:00P.M. Checkpoints don’t change people’s mindsets.
Robert Hyden says
We need BORDER checkpoints.
David Davis says
I absolutely agree. We can create a Legal Vigilante Group, LVG. We could patrol Palmdale and Little Rock to search for Mexican Drug Cartel member who transport cash and drugs. We can gather their names and hand them over to ICE. We will to our civil duty as Minutes Men and responsible citizens. We won’t act as law enforcement that’s illegal. We will be eyes and ears against drug dealers and trafficking.
Tim Scott says
Sure. Get on out there and start eyeball identifying people with “cartel member” tattooed on their foreheads, or maybe “transporting cash,” they always advertise when they do that. Probably have a big green dollar sign flashing over their heads like in a video game. You are hilarious.
Alexis says
LOL, there isn’t anything responsible about you. You go ahead though, David. You and Robert Hyden can meet up, strapped and ready to start rounding up all the cartel members.
CW says
You people are ridiculous! This situation has NOTHING TO DO WITH ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION! A young AMERICAN CITIZEN- a soldier – lost his life because some (who happens to be white) [removed] was drinking and driving by the way, I am a conservative, white female. I’m just intelligent enough to know right from wrong.
Be equal says
You have to remember they said suspected of drunk driving plus he got the white card on the side
Ron says
What do u mean White CARD? He’s in alot of trouble doesn’t matter what race he is. He’s looking at alot of prison time. 15 years.
FML says
Statistically speaking, Whites tend to serve shorter sentences for the same crimes than non-whites. You can look it up. Its true.
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/17/opinion/sunday/unequal-sentences-for-blacks-and-whites.html
Ron says
This guy is screwed. Just a few beers and your screwed for life.
Robert Hyden says
Look it up? In a New York Slimes article. Real scientific article there with bullet points like “Same Crime – More Time”. Unlike you I’ve read the underlying study. The criminal backgrounds are not the same. The blacks have a rap sheet as long as your arm, which is the main reason they get more time. The second fact is plea deals. The “same crime” may be what each person plead to but the circumstances of the crimes are different. The more violent offenders get more time even if each pleads guilty to… say… felony assault. Finally, yes, obviously there is disparity but it is between those that have a good lawyer and those that don’t. The prosecutors have to plead down for people who have lawyers that can spend the time to mount a good defense. So, yeah, duh, the white criminals whose families may have more money on average get sonny boy a lawyer, and Rastus goes to jail. Yep, *I* am racist. But “the system” really isn’t.
FML says
Yeah, but you’re missing the whole point. The ability to get a good lawyer is ridiculously skewed to favor white people, due to economic oppression and reality. And you just hate the NYT because they say things your boy MAGA Hat wearing President-Comrade Cheetoskin doesn’t like. The article references a legitimate study which you obviously haven’t read.
Secondly you are very racist. I’m glad you can admit this to yourself you piece of shit.
Idiots says
You sound like you’re racist I’m surprised it’s not another Hispanic that’s usually who are killing people in the AV so you must be
One more idiot from The Av
Jay says
Don’t waste a piece of rope. And do not House and feed this maggot for 35 years paid for with public funds. Turn him loose wearing a cardboard sign with what he has done written on it.
Requiescat en Pace AA.
Condolences to his family and friends
Desi says
So sad, I also ride , I pray for comfort for the mans family, RIP
Idiots says
hang Mickey and give him 35 years in prison
Very sad news for the family.
R.I.P to the rider
And a quick recovery for the injured rider
Biker818 says
Wow good job A.v. news crew it’s always the dumbass drunks that kill innocent lives out in da streets RIP HOMIE YOU WILL BE MISSED
Robert Hyden says
da biker in da streets is yo HOMIE? Damn. Das crazy whack funky!
Jolene Piff says
Wow you are one racist sick son of a bitch! A young man lost his life because of a drunk piece of [removed] and that’s the remark you make? Go to hell you piece of [removed]. I don’t suppose ya have alot of family or friends for that matter who would be proud of you or even claim to know you and if they do they would have to be just as FILTHY AND NASTY AS YOU AND THIS THIS WORLD JUST SIMPLY ISN’T BIG ENOUGH 2 OF YOU! DO yourself a huge favor and take anything you might have that gives you internet wether it be computer, phone iPod, iPad WHATEVER IT MAY BE AND SMASH IT OR TRY FLUSHING IT DOWN YOUR DAMN TOILET SHOVE IT UP YOUR [removed] IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW YOU GET RID OF IT JUST DO US ALL A FAVOR AND DO IT QUICK. SOMEONE LIKE YOU WOULD NOT MAKE IT LONG UP HERE YOU WOULD GET KNOCKED OUT IN A SECOND FOR DISRESPECTING A MAN WHO WAS FIGHTING FOR HIS COUNTRY.