Father of Loomis High School wrestling coach killed in car accident

Kenneth Anderson and his daughter, Rachel Anderson, a Del Oro Lady Eagle Wrestling coach, were struck Monday on a walk in a Loomis crosswalk by a vehicle that ran a stop sign, according to a statement released by the Del Oro wrestling team, on Jan. 20. Rachel Anderson suffered significant injuries and spent two days in the hospital. Kenneth Anderson, 67, succumbed to his injuries. The wrestling team is mourning the loss of him. "Ken was a valued member of our tournament staff and has spent countless hours helping at the many wrestling events held at Del Oro for more than 25 years," the wrestling team statement said. "Ken appreciated how the sport of wrestling helped develop the character of young people and was very supportive. Ken's sharp wit and friendship will be deeply missed by his family and many friends." Del Oro Principal Kim Barry sent an email message on Tuesday to students, their parents, and staff about the incident. "As some of you may have heard, one of our Del Oro Girls wrestling coaches was injured in a pedestrian/car accident yesterday afternoon. As she recovers in the hospital and her family copes with this tragic situation, please join us in keeping them in your thoughts," Barry said. "We have had an outpouring of support offered and will let you know what the family needs when they are ready." Barry added that "During difficult times such as these, counselors and additional mental health support services are available to our students and staff to assist in any way we can." On Monday at 1:42 p.m. Placer County Sheriff's Office released a traffic alert about the incident saying that Taylor Road between Oak Str. and Walnut Str. was shut down for what they called a "vehicle vs. pedestrian collision." The roads were reopened at 6:32 p.m. Monday. The Placer County Sheriff's Office has not released any details about other individuals involved or how the incident happened. Placer County Sheriff's Office public information officer Angela Musallam said the incident is under investigation. A witness to the accident, Richard Faherty, said he had just finished a heating and air conditioning job when he was walking back to his vehicle and he "saw the whole thing happen." He said he called 9-1-1 at 12:28 p.m, Monday, "right after the accident." "The person who hit them didn't seem to be messed up or anything. It seemed like he was just going too fast," Faherty said. He said that the driver stayed at the scene of the accident. Faherty said he ran to the accident scene to help in whatever way he could and what he saw was devastating. "I was really hoping he (Anderson) would make it. It's really sad," Faherty said. "I walk my dog with my wife all the time. It could have been anyone. They were at a crosswalk which is supposed to be safe. I feel bad for the family and for the person who hit them because he has to live with it forever."